Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Ajo will expand its grand prix involvement in 2017 with the addition of a new team and bike combination in the Moto2 category after signing Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira.

While Ajo Motorsport already have a presence in Moto2 with world champion Johann Zarco, the team for 2017 will see an increased commitment with two riders under the factory Red Bull KTM Ajo outfit.

The expanded team will mark the first time that KTM will contest the Moto2 category, while also becoming the first manufacturer to be involved in all three grand prix classes – MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 – despite Moto2 using a spec-Honda 600cc engine.

The team has confirmed it will host Moto3 championship leader Binder and Moto2 rookie Oliveira. Binder is currently a member of the Red Bull KTM Ajo squad in Moto3, while Oliveira will return to the team after contesting the 2015 Moto3 championship with them.

Red Bull, KTM and Ajo Motorsport will also continue their successful partnership throughout 2017, marking the fifth consecutive year they have been in collaboration together.

“Firstly, I am very happy to continue the cooperation with Red Bull and KTM and make this move together in Moto2,” team manager Aki Ajo expressed. “Now we will all be much closer to each other, working together in two classes and with the whole Red Bull KTM family in all three classes, which is something historic.

“It is also nice to start out with a pair of riders who we already know well. Brad has spent two seasons with us and Miguel had an incredible season last year in the team. We have two riders who we know, who are young, eager and with a positive attitude for this project.”

Binder and Oliveira are scheduled to experience their first taste of KTM’s Moto2 bike in mid-November when initial testing will commence. The move is in line with Red Bull KTM’s MotoGP entry, fielding Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith.