KTM withdraws from Dakar

AUSTRIA // KTM, the Austrian motorbike manufacturer that has powered its way to eight consecutive wins in the Dakar Rally, has announced its withdrawal from next year's race. The decision was preceded by a ruling by the Amoury Sports Organisation (ASO), the management body responsible for staging the race, to outlaw bikes with a displacement of more than 450cc from competition. Winfried Kerschhaggl, KTM's motorsport director said: "Rally sport serves to prove the efficiency and stability of our large volume series single cylinder. "There is no question that we will remain active in rally sport. Having said that, for KTM, this rally is now history."