South Africa‰Ûªs leading Motocross World Championship racer Tyla Rattray will stay with his factory Red Bull KTM team for another season and attempt the 2008 MX2 series as a works rider for the renowned Austrian firm for the fifth year in succession.
After contemplating numerous offers for his services both in Europe and across the Atlantic, the 21 year old from Durban, South Africa, and an eleven time Grand Prix winner announced at a press conference during the Grand Prix Citta di Faenza in Italy this weekend his intention to remain with the potent KTM set-up for another crack at the title that has eluded him since he became a championship protagonist in 2004.
Rattray will again have 18 year old Briton Tommy Searle as his team-mate and will steer the SX250F four-stroke in the 15 round ‰Ûª08 campaign.
When asked how long it took to reach his decision Rattray said, "It took me quite a while because I had some good offers from other teams to move up to MX1 and also some others to stay in MX2 but in the end I am happy at KTM. All the guys there work hard and when you are happy somewhere you don‰Ûªt really need to change."
Answering to rumours that he may step up to 450cc machines in MX1 he added. "I feel that we have a good package this year even if it has been very hard to beat Antonio Cairoli. I am still young and have more years yet in Grand Prix racing. I felt that I did not need to rush into MX1 and I am still finding the 250 exciting and a pleasure to ride."
"Antonio has had a great season but I definitely think he is beatable. Cairoli is good at the moment but is not like a ‰Û÷Carmichael‰Ûª or ‰Û÷Stewart‰Ûª. I think he is a good reference in order to get even better for next year and adds that little bit of extra motivation to try even harder. The KTM is a very good bike and I really enjoy riding it. We are already thinking about a few changes and upgrades for 2008 and I am hoping for a good season.
When asked if the option of moving to America and attempting Supercross is diminishing each year he gets older he said, "Yeah, probably, but when I go to America I want to go with ‰Û÷something‰Ûª. A World Championship does a lot of talking and makes negotiating easier. There are goals I want to achieve here and for sure they will help me onto the next stage in my career."
Main Photo: Tyla Rattray
Credit: Ray Archer
