Source: Supplied.

Pauls Jonass will graduate to the premier class in the 2019 MXGP World Championship after signing a two-year deal with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.

The 2017 MX2 world champion ultimately fell short of defending his title this season with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing after injury derailed his campaign in the final rounds, although he’s firmly looking ahead to his future in the MXGP category.

“I’m really excited to be part of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team,” Jonass commented. “The switch to the MXGP category is a big move for me but I can’t wait to get started. Joining such an acclaimed team gives me a huge amount of motivation to continue working hard in order to achieve my goals.

“I’m looking ahead to a great future with the team. I’ve known Antti [Pyrhonen] and the rest of the team members for some years already and it feels good to start working with them. Following my knee surgery last month, my goal right now is to start riding my Husqvarna at the earliest possible time. I want to maximise my time on the bike, so I can be fully-fit and ready to enter this exciting new season in the MXGP category.”

Owned by Formula 1 star Kimi Raikkonen, the IceOne-operated outfit is still to confirm its complete line-up for the 2019 MXGP World Championship.