Image: Supplied.

Italian teenager Mattia Guadagnini has signed with Red Bull KTM to join world champion Tom Vialle and Rene Hofer in an expanded three-rider MX2 roster for 2021.

Guadagnini, 18, will be part of the Claudio de Carli-operated KTM program, which also has MXGP contenders Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado.

“For me this is a dream come true to join the KTM family, especially the de Carli team as I grew up watching Tony’s races,” Guadagnini said. “I always said that one day I want to be there also and fight in the world championship, so the day has come and I’m so happy.

“I like how they work as a big family, spending lots of time together. Also having Tony and Jorge as direct teammates will be awesome – I can learn a lot and I think I have all I need to work on my goals for the future!”

De Carli commented: “Mattia is one of the most interesting young riders in international motocross, he has already reached important milestones and he must continue in his growth to fight with the best riders in the world championship.

“We are happy to have him in our team and, as always, we will try to give him the best from a technical and training point of view.

“He gives me the impression of a boy with solid principles and great motivation and I want him to face this first year with us by working with his teammates, without pressure and with the aim of improving in every aspect in his first full season of MX2.”

Guadagnini is the 2020 EMX250 championship runner-up after winning nine motos in his first season on a 250cc four-stroke as part of the Maddii Racing Husqvarna team. He also won the EMX125 and 125cc Junior World Championship in 2019.