Photo: masmoto.net
Laia Sanz is the 2015 Dakar female champion, and she has multiple other enduro and trial accolades to her name. However, it looks like she is looking forward to upping her game, as the Spanish media informs that Sanz has just signed a deal with Austrian manufacturer KTM.
Some might say that this is a blow for the HRC team, given the open rivalry between Honda and KTM. Sanz herself says that she decided in favor of the house of Mattighofen for reasons strictly related to sport.
Sanz declined to offer further information as to what led to her separation from Honda. She only added that the idea of having a factory racing superstructure such as KTM's behind her feels extremely enticing and provides confidence and reassuring vibes.
She also mentions that being able to learn from off-road racing stars, such as Marc Coma and Ivan Cervantes is also a major bonus for her choice. Sanz also adds that Honda has offered her all the support, both in a technical and economic way to retain her, but the decision to join the KTM team was already made.
Laia Sanz was the second Honda that finished the 2015 Dakar in the top 10. Her team mate Paulo Goncalves was second overall while Sanz was 9th.
As for KTM, the maker celebrates 10 years since the first time when all three Enduro titles went orange, thanks to Spaniard Ivan Cervantes, Samuli Aro from Finland, and British rider David Knight. Their dominance was so overwhelming that they didn't even need any points in the final round of 2005.
Two more Dakar rallies plus X-Games and the World Rally Championship ahead
Thirteen times world champion trial and three times enduro world champion, Laia Sanz will wear the KTM factory livery through 2017. Her contract includes Dakar 2016 and 2017, the 2015, 2016 and 2017 World Women's Enduro championships, the X-Games and several rounds in the World Rally Championship.Sanz declined to offer further information as to what led to her separation from Honda. She only added that the idea of having a factory racing superstructure such as KTM's behind her feels extremely enticing and provides confidence and reassuring vibes.
She also mentions that being able to learn from off-road racing stars, such as Marc Coma and Ivan Cervantes is also a major bonus for her choice. Sanz also adds that Honda has offered her all the support, both in a technical and economic way to retain her, but the decision to join the KTM team was already made.
Laia Sanz was the second Honda that finished the 2015 Dakar in the top 10. Her team mate Paulo Goncalves was second overall while Sanz was 9th.
As for KTM, the maker celebrates 10 years since the first time when all three Enduro titles went orange, thanks to Spaniard Ivan Cervantes, Samuli Aro from Finland, and British rider David Knight. Their dominance was so overwhelming that they didn't even need any points in the final round of 2005.
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