Pit Beirer has many reasons to smile after a dream 2012 season. Image: KTM Images.

Head of KTM Motorsport Pit Beirer has outlined the Austrian brand’s success in 2012, stating that its world championship and American motocross titles prove KTM as a world leader in the sport.

Last weekend saw Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings wrap up the MX1 and MX2 world titles respectively, coming just weeks after Ryan Dungey claimed KTM’s first ever 450 Class title in the US.

“It was always going to be hard to follow on from our success in 2012 so it’s a massive achievement to see Tony and Jeffrey take the MX1 and MX2 titles,” said Beirer. “For Tony it is his sixth career title and his third for KTM.

“And to do it in front of his home crowd at Faenza is something he really deserves. Tony is much more than an excellent rider. He’s a master tactician and team player and his performances on and off the track are an inspiration to all young riders.

“One of those young riders is Jeffrey and this, his first MX2 title will surely not be his last,” he added. “He showed is his all round talent on the hard pack at Faenza and we all know what he is capable of riding in the sand.

“Following on from our victory in the US National MX Championship with Ryan Dungey we can really say KTM is a world leader.

“This success is a team effort and belongs to everyone involved – from our excellent team management on both sides of the Atlantic, to our mechanics, our team support staff, and to all those at the KTM Racing Department and R&D.”

KTM is currently undergoing a restructure of its Australian motocross factory operation for 2013, with JDR Motorsports poised to focus its efforts on its US team.