Image: Supplied.

MXGP icon Jeffrey Herlings has extended his contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for another two years, set to continue in the world championship through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Herlings, 28, joined Red Bull KTM back in 2009, and during his extended tenure has notched 99 grand prix victories, three MX2 world titles (2012,2013 and 2016) and two MXGP crowns (2018 and 2021).

‘The Bullet’ broke his left heel in the build-up to the MXGP World Championship last year, ultimately ruling him out of his title defence altogether. Hungry to return to the gate, Herlings is now gearing up for his seventh season in the premier class and a build towards MXGP title number three.

“We’ve been together for a long time and I believe I am now the longest-serving Red Bull KTM athlete as this will be my fifteenth year and from when I first signed in 2009,” Herlings explained. “We now have another two years together and maybe more to come.

“It’s great. Me, Pit and Robert have been very close during this time and have a great connection and together with Valentina [Ragni, Team Coordinator] these have been the people around me since the beginning and for all those fifteen years.

“We’ve been working really good together and we all want the same goals. I’m happy and thankful to extend the contract again and it’s great after a dark period in 2022 that the team and the company still have trust in me. I didn’t want to move, I’m happy where I am, and I love the group.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager Tony Cairoli added: “Of course I’m really happy that Jeffrey has re-signed with the brand and the team. He’s a big star for us and for the sport so it’s really nice that such a big talent stays in KTM.

“He will come into the season after a difficult year so we will have to build into 2023 but Jeffrey is such a big champion and will win again, like he did in the past. I don’t think any team could wish for a better rider and we’re pumped to continue.”

The 2023 MXGP World Championship is set to commence on 12 March at Villa Angostura with the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina.