Moto3: Red Bull KTM extend Grand Prix lifeline to Kent

The Red Bull Ajo KTM team have extended a Grand Prix lifeline to former Moto3 world champion Danny Kent, by offering the British rider the chance not only to test their machine this week at Jerez but to ride in the French Grand Prix as a wildcard.

Kent was left with what looked like no Grand Prix opportunities after walking away from the Kiefer Racing team that took him to his title last time out in Austin – but his former squad have stepped in at the eleventh hour to allow the 23-year-old the chance to return to the lightweight class.

Kent last rode for the Ajo team in 2014, on the Husqvarna-branded KTM machine – and team boss Aki Ajo says that after learning of the situation with Kent and his Moto2 team, it seemed like a good opportunity to bring him back into the fold to help with development.

“After learning of Danny Kent’s situation in the World Championship, the team, Red Bull and KTM had the joint idea of asking him to test and develop our bike. Danny is a rider who has already been part of our team in the past; we know well how he works and he knows us, and we believe that with his experience he can give us a very interesting point of view for the technical development of our bike. In addition, what every rider needs is to compete, so we have offered him the possibility of a wildcard ride at Le Mans with us. I am convinced that the outcome of this collaboration will be very satisfactory for both parties.”

Kent will get the opportunity to take to the track for the first time on the bike on Tuesday at a private test at the Jerez circuit, before riding in the Le Mans race weekend in two weeks’ time.