KTM's Tony Cairoli. Picture by ktmimages.com

Reigning MX1 World Motocross Champion, and the latest recruit to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad, Tony Cairoli, rode the all new KTM 350 SX-F to ground breaking victory in its debut at the Starcross Mantova FIM Motocross pre-season race in Italy over the weekend.

Cairoli, and his team mates Shaun Simpson and Marvin Musquin wrapped up a near perfect weekend for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team, with Cairoli's first place podium on the KTM 350 SX-F in the MX1, and Simpson and Musquin's 1-2 podium on board the latest KTM 250 SX-F in the MX2 class.

Commenting on his victory Cairoli said, "It was a fantastic start for me, and I enjoyed riding the KTM 350 SX-F.   I wanted to do some tests to see how it went at the start, and everything came together well.

"In my first race, I had a decent start behind Steve Ramon and Tanel Leok, and soon worked my way up to move past both riders for the lead.   When I pulled away, Leok and Ramon dropped outside the top-five, and David Philippaerts moved up to second behind me, but I still managed to hold onto the lead.

"In race two, I got a great start and dominated the whole moto from start to finish, while the others battled behind me for second.   In my the final moto, Tanel Leok won, and I got third behind Clement DeSalle.   I battled hard with Clement DeSalle after moving past Steve Ramon, but I slipped and left Clement Desalle alone in second.  I still managed to keep off Steve Ramon for third, which was enough to give me the overall win in the MX1 for the pre season event.

"I'm really happy with the bike and the results.  It's always a terrific atmosphere at Mantova and a big thanks goes out to the fans who came out to support the event."

Cairoli, who comes to KTM with his manager Claudia de Carli, wrapped up the Star Mantova event with 70 points to finish in front of Belgian riders Steve Ramon and Clement DeSalle.  The Italian, who already has two MX2 and one MX1 title, enjoys cult status with the Italian fans.

KTM teammate Shaun Simpson, who missed much of last year because of injury, made a triumphant start to the season on board the latest KTM 250 SX-F, by being well up with the bigger 450 machines in the race format which combines both MX1 and MX2.   Marvin Musquin, KTM's MX2 world champion moved up the ranks as the day progressed to finish behind teammate Simpson in second place on the final podium.

The all new KTM 350 SX-F raced by Tony Cairoli,  features an all new chassis and frame plus a pro lever linkage system for increased controllability.  The bike has been developed by the KTM R&D department in close consultation with Stefan Everts. The 10-times MX World Champion is Team Director of the Red Bull KTM Racing Team and together with Pit Beirer, KTM's Off-Road Sports Director, has formulated a three-year development program aimed at winning both the MX1 and MX2 world championship titles.

Star Mantova is the first of the pre-season races and one which is a perfect opportunity for teams and riders to face off against the opposition and test their form and machinery.

MX1 Results
1. Tony Cairoli, Italy, KTM, 70
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 52
3. Clement DeSalle, Belgium, Suzuki, 51
4. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 51
5. Marc De Reuver, Netherlands, Suzuki, 50
  
MX2 Results
1. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 72
2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM 65
3. Arnaud Tonus, Swizterland, Suzuki, 56
4. Markus Schiffer, Germany, KTM, 56
5. Herjan Brakke, Netherland, Yamaha, 43