Young British prospect Freddie Bartlett has secured a significant boost to his 2026 campaign after officially signing with the Absolute MX KTM Powered by Mark McCann 64 team. After beginning the season aboard a 450cc machine despite still being just 16 years old, Bartlett will now switch to a 250cc and turn his attention towards the MX2 British Championship.
The move marks an important step in the youngster’s progression, with the new deal giving him the backing and structure needed to continue developing against some of the UK’s top MX2 talent. Bartlett’s early-season decision to race a 450cc may have raised eyebrows, but it was all part of a bigger plan.
“It feels very good to sign with the team. It’s nice to have the support that is needed at this level. The reason we started the season on a 450cc was because it was cheaper and possible to get results whilst running a stock bike… The end goal was to get on an Mx2 team using the results in MX1”, Bartlett told GateDrop.com.
Now back on familiar machinery, Bartlett is already feeling comfortable aboard the KTM after previously spending his entire 125cc career with the Austrian manufacturer.
“I’m familiar with the bike as I spent my whole 125cc period on a KTM so with some suspension changes it felt great. I don’t really put expectations on myself. I just do my best and that’s all you can do”.
With his immediate focus on adapting to the 250cc and building momentum domestically, Bartlett is also keeping one eye on the possibility of gaining international experience later in the year.
“I may possibly do some racing in Europe – I just need to get used to the bike and get some good results in British first”, Bartlett concluded.
The signing gives Bartlett a strong platform for the remainder of the season, and with support from Absolute MX KTM Powered by Mark McCann 64 now in place, he’ll be hoping to establish himself as one of Britain’s standout young MX2 riders for the future.
