Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin will miss the complete 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship after injuring his knee in the pre-season.

The Frenchman cased a jump at the KTM test track in Corona, California, and returned to his home country for surgery this week. As a result, he will miss all 17 rounds.

“It’s tough to share this disappointing news,” Musquin confirmed. “I was really happy to be back on the bike riding after being injured at the end of the motocross season and starting to train for supercross.

“Unfortunately, I had an incident at the KTM test track and ultimately over-jumped a jump that had a very big impact on my legs when I landed, injuring my left knee. I had it evaluated by several doctors and it was determined that my knee required surgery.

“It’s devastating news to me as I was really looking forward to racing supercross, but I will take the time needed to recover properly with my main focus being to return when I am strong enough to win races.”

Red Bull KTM team manager Ian Harrison commented: “We want Marvin to take the time he needs to fully recover. He is a big part of our program and we have a good working relationship.

“We understand how disappointing this is for him and the whole team, so we are here to support him and look forward to him making a return to racing when he is 100 per cent ready.”

Musquin finished third in the 2019 450SX standings, expected to challenge for the crown once again next season prior to his injury. It’s unclear if KTM will call in a replacement alongside defending champion Cooper Webb.