KTM has confirmed that it will return to world championship road racing in 2012, partnering with Kalex Engineering for the Moto3 World Championship next year.

Extensive and intensive preparations are underway at KTM, where a 100 percent pure, in-house Moto3 racing machine is being developed by KTM engineer Wolfgang Felber and his team.

While the development of the motorcycle is right on schedule at KTM’s Motorsports Department in Mattighofen (Austria), at the same time KTM and Kalex Engineering have secured an exclusive partnership for the supply of engines to the southern German company.

Kalex, which for years has been synonymous with high-quality vehicle development and special parts for motorsports, has played an active role in the Moto2 class since 2010.

Kalex rider Stefan Bradl is currently the clear leader in the world championship and the Kalex headquarters is just two hours away from KTM in Upper Austria.

The aspect yet to be finalized regarding KTM’s return to full scale international road racing is what teams and which riders will be at the handlebars of the 250cc single cylinder four-stroke KTM and Kalex-KTM racing machines.

Pit Beirer, head of KTM Motorsports, said he’s pleased to be re-entering the MotoGP series.

“We approach our entry into the Moto3 class with confidence,” Beirer said. “Our own plans are right on schedule for a racing bike completely developed in Mattighofen.

“At the same time we have also found the best possible partner, who will present our engine at a very high and professional level. Kalex Engineering is well positioned for this in every way and just like KTM is highly motivated to develop a bike capable of winning in the new Moto3 category.”

Alex Baumgärtel, managing director Kalex Engineering, said the exclusive partnership was a great one for the two brands.

“The exclusive partnership with KTM as supplier of engines is a big step forward for us,” he said. “As we already have a good insight into the construction of the new KTM Moto3 engine we feel certain that we have the best basis for the drive system for our own racing motorcycle.

“With this combination we can continue to build on the success we have enjoyed in the Moto2 class. We are very much looking forward to the development and the 2012 season.”