Australian Kyle Webster will stand in for JM Honda Racing’s Benoit Paturel starting with the MXGP of Lombardia on September 27. Paturel sustained a broken tailbone and back injury during the final MXGP round in Kegums last month.
Webster, the 2019 MX Nationals MX2 runner up, has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting riders on the Australian motocross scene. The Western Australian was born in South Africa but also lived in the UK as a kid.
Kyle represented his country at last year’s MX of Nations in Holland and surprised many with his speed in difficult conditions. The CRF mounted Australian recorded a strong third in the MX2 qualifying race after circulating in second for most of the moto. Although Webster was unlucky on Sunday he went on to finish 6th overall in the MX2 class, equal on points with Jago Geerts.
Kyle Webster: “I’m super stoked to go racing in the MXGP World Championship with JM Honda Racing. Everything happened pretty quickly but I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. (smiles) Let’s hope that third time is the charm after racing in the mud in Indonesia in 2017 and last year in Assen! I’d like to thank my team Penrite Honda Racing for granting me the chance to go over to Europe and do this.”
Jacky Martens, JM Honda Racing team manager: “On the hand Benoit was very unlucky to crash in Kegums; on the other hand we’re grateful that his injuries were not too bad. Unfortunately he’ll have to stay from the bike for six to seven weeks. I’m happy we can offer Kyle this opportunity to race on the world stage. He’s already proven at home and in the MX of Nations what he’s capable of. The last few months have been really difficult for us with Julien Lieber’s retirement followed by the injury of Paturel but we’re very grateful for the support of Penrite Honda Racing and Honda in this matter.”
Honda Australia’s Penrite Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky appreciates the opportunity JM Honda Racing are providing Kyle. “Jacky and the team run a professional program and the opportunity they have extended to Kyle is fantastic. It’s great that Honda works together globally to support their riders. Jacky is a world champion and will give Kyle opportunities most riders only dream of.