Matt Hoyle signs for Maxtra 125GP team

British rider Matt Hoyle will join Bradley Smith, Scott Redding and Danny Webb in the 125GP world championship next season.

As expected, Hoyle’s deal with the new Chinese-backed Maxtra team was confirmed at the weekend, with the 17-year-old to partner Austrian rider Michael Ranseder.

Hoyle will begin testing in Spain next month, though 2009 125GP testing gets underway in Jerez today (Monday).

Hoyle has earned his big break having impressed in the Red Bull Rookies Cup series, designed to unearth the racing talent of the future.

Hoyle finished third in the 2008 series securing six podiums and a single victory.
The Bradford rider said: “I’m obviously delighted to be making the move up to GP racing.

“I’ll be working with some real legends, so I’ve got a lot to live up to, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Team Director Garry Taylor said he was looking forward to working with Hoyle in 2009.

“Matt took part in our UK development programme during 2008 on the suggestion of our development rider Michael Wilcox.

“We also watched him at a number of the Red Bull Rookie rounds, including Indianapolis, where Kevin Schwantz and I saw his potential.

“Matt will make a great team mate for Michael Ranseder and will quickly contribute to the machine’s progress. We are very excited to have him on strength.”