Image: Supplied.

Max Vohland will transition into the professional ranks with Red Bull KTM in 2021, the factory team expanding to have three riders in-house as it makes a return to the 250 class.

A longtime rider within KTM’s Orange Brigade amateur motocross program, Vohland will line-up alongside 450 duo Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin within the official team.

The 17-year-old is a five-time Loretta Lynn’s champion and was most recently crowned 2019 AMA Youth Rider of the Year. Vohland will debut in Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

“Max has had a long and successful journey as an amateur with KTM and we are happy to be involved in the start of his young career,” explained Red Bull KTM team manager Ian Harrison. “I met him years ago and have seen his progress through the amateur ranks.

“He is young but has a lot of potential. Time will tell how he manages the ups and downs of professional racing and we will be here to help support him in every way we can. Our goal is to have Max and KTM up front.”

KTM last operated a 250 SX-F within the factory organisation in 2015 when it had Musquin and Justin Hill on the team. Troy Lee Designs had run the 250 program since, until becoming the official GasGas team ahead of the 2021 season.