Belgian MXGP veteran Ken De Dycker will compete aboard a new factory satellite team, 24MX Honda Racing, in the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship.
De Dycker has spent five seasons aboard Hondas in the MX1 [now MXGP] class during his career, starting with the Sarholz team in 2004 and 2005 before moving to the CAS Honda team for 2006 and 2007. He then spend a season with the LS Honda team in 2011, following a lackluster season with the factory Yamaha team. De Dycker has been a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider since 2012. He was sidelined for much of the 2015 MXGP season after suffering a fractured right shoulder at the German GP, but he came back strong at the 2015 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, helping the Belgian team land a third-place finish.
De Dycker said that he is happy to be getting a new start at 24MX Honda Racing.
“I’m very motivated to prove myself and bounce back after two disappointing years,” De Dycker said. “As I started to test the 24MX Honda CRF450R I couldn’t help but getting all excited and riding with a big grin on my face! The bike is very easy to ride yet it’s pretty powerful. I have some unfinished business in MXGP, so I’m thrilled about this new challenge. A big thanks to all my fans who have stayed with me throughout these difficult times!”
Marc Boone, the team principal 24MX Honda Racing, said that in his opinion De Dycker is one of the most underrated riders on the MXGP circuit.
“Time and time again he has shown that on his day he can pull something special out of the bag,” Boone said. “As a new team, it was not only his speed that attracted us in Ken. His ability to help us further develop the bike and to guide the team are equally important. I also think his relaxed, friendly attitude and his calm determination are a great fit with the team.”
Davy Dousselaere, Honda Motor Europe’s off-road manager, added, “It’s great to be able to welcome a rider with this kind of track record and experience to the Honda family. We could see that Ken still has the hunger and drive to achieve great results. Watching him on the bike you’ll see him do things that not a lot of people can do. As a fan of the sport that’s just awesome! I’m confident that with the 24MX Honda Racing team behind him and a competitive bike he’ll have what he needs to show his full potential.”
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