Leading Dutch🐟 rider Erik Eggens has re-signed to race for the factory KTM supported Champ team for 2003, but has decided to ride a new 250cc four-stroke in the 125cc World Championship.

Speaking to motograndprix.com, the 24-year old commented that he had been approached by KM race mওanager Kurt Nicoll to spearhead the development of the four-stroke.

"Kurt approached me about two months aꦯgo and told me about his plans for running th𒅌e new four-stroke and how KTM wanted me to race and develop it," Eggens revealed, "I was interested immediately and flattered that the factory was giving me the responsibility of working with a new bike.

"I have ridden Javier Garcia Vico?s 500 several times and liked the characteristics of the eng🍨ine. Obviously a 250 will be a bit different to a 520, but I enjoyed the feel of the bike and have the firmest belief that KTM will produce a good four-stroke."

Eggens is not bothered by the prospect of campaigning a brand new machine - especially having witnessed the trials and tribulations of Jamie Dobb and Gordon Crockard trying to get the new 250 two-stroke on the pace in the premier quarter-litre class, and having managed ꦺonly one podium between them so far - and even has a handy back-up plan.

"In my contract it states that I can revert back to the 125 two-stroke if we are struggling t♉o make the bike competitive," he explained, "After all, KTM already have an ꦺexcellent 125. Although the four-stroke is a really positive move and an exciting idea; I?m sure it will be successful."

Eggens is set to return to action at Gaildorf on 18 August, having broken his leg and damaged ankle ligaments in a training incident prior to the GP of France in May. With three podiums from four races before he severely ♋twisted his leg and suffered the injury, the Dutchman was a favourite for championship success.

"I originally wanted to🌱 be back for Genk, but the GP has come around too early," he admitted, "I was riding the bike for t🌜he eighth or ninth time this week, and I?m getting better with each outing, but my speed and fitness is not good enough yet; I was feeling tired after about 20 minutes. I wish to return at 100 per cent, and Gaildorf is a realistic target.

"I?m still ahead of schedule. The doctors said I wouldn?t be able to ride for three months and I?m back on the bike in two. The goal now is to take a bit more t🐼ime and reach the same level I was before the injury in the last couple of races so I can get a good run into 2003.

"The four-stroke news was a nice boost after the disappointment of my injury, and it was nice to know that my experience counted for something. I believe the first ꦦrunning engine will be ready in November and that will mean a busy testing period of four months to get the bike ready."

Fellow Dutchman Marc de Reuver has signed to ride with the Champ KTM set-up for the rest of the year alongside championship contender Steve Ramon, but
Eggens remains the only rider to have com🧸mitted himself to the team for 2003.