The news has now been confirmed that Van Venrooy KTM will be in the MXGP paddock in 2025. The team is slightly different than in the past as Gebben aren’t involved but most of the same people are back and motivated for the 2025 season.
In the past the team focused on the MXGP World Championship but for 2025, they will have an MX2 World Championship rider in the form of Cas Valk who will step up from the EMX250 series. 2025 will be his rookie season in the MX2 World Championship class but we know the speed is fast at the front of the EMX250 series so he has the potential to do well.
We caught up wih Hattem who will be the team manager to discuss the deal.
GateDrop: Klaas, before we get into the big news. You left the paddock at the end of the 2023 season, what was this year like without working in the paddock? Did you miss it?
Hattem: We had to accept the situation. But luckily there is more to life than motocross.
GateDrop: Going back to the end of the 2023 season it seemed a tricky situation as it looked like the Gebben van Venrooy team would maybe get factory backing but then that didn’t happen. Was that a tough time? What can you tell me about it?
Hattem: It is pointless for us to look back at the past. Our focus is on the future.
GateDrop: The news has just been announced you’ll be back in the MXGP paddock in 2025. How did the deal with KTM all come together?
Hattem: When a brand like KTM approaches you to become a partner in a multi-year project with factory support, the choice is quickly made. There is mutual respect, the people at KTM Austria are extremely helpful and that is very motivating.
GateDrop: In the past the focus has been on the MXGP class but for 2025, the focus will be on the MX2 World Championship. What was the thinking behind this and is it a new motivation?
Hattem: If you win a GP as a private team, that is fantastic. Delivering a rider in the top six in the MXGP World Championship was the maximum achievable for us as a private team. In 2025 we will try to achieve the same in MX2. That is our challenge and we are very motivated to achieve this.
GateDrop: Cas Valk has a lot of potential, you must be looking forward to working with him and he’s Dutch as well which must be nice?
Hattem: For us as a team it is necessary that a rider believes in himself to achieve his goals. Cas has a huge drive in that, and that motivates the team enormously. The fact that he is Dutch and comes from the same region is a bonus.
GateDrop: Valk will be a rookie in the MX2 World Championship next year but we all know EMX250 is fast. What’s your expectations for him in the rookie season?
Hattem: The level at the top of the EMX is quite high. That is the basis from which we will continue to work. We will have to reach a higher level than where Cas has now arrived. If we succeed, we will have a great season.
GateDrop: What can you tell me about the machinery that Cas will have in 2025? I’ve heard this years factory bikes?
Hattem: KTM has an obligation to provide us with a competitive package and they will definitely keep that promise.
GateDrop: You will only have one rider under the awning, what is the reason for this and was running two riders ever explored?
Hattem: At the beginning of the negotiations, two riders was an option. Our experience also shows that when you put all your energy and attention into 1 rider, this has a positive effect on both the rider and the team. The choice was therefore quickly made
GateDrop: I believe that the plan for 2026 will be to have two MX2 GP riders?
Hattem: Then you are better informed than we are (laughs).
GateDrop: How long is your deal with KTM for?
Hattem: Multi-year contract.
GateDrop: Where will the team be based in 2025 – has it involved getting a new warehouse/building etc organised?
Hattem: The team has also made a professional step forward. The workshop has remained in the same place (in Rogat, the Netherlands) but has been completely renovated. Furthermore, everything has been adapted to the new colours.
GateDrop: It seems like KTM are making some budget cuts in MXGP. Is this a concern for the future?
Hattem: The youth is the future and they see that at KTM too. If you start cutting back there, you will no longer produce champions. And I think that is the ultimate goal.
