German Ken Roczen won his first world championship in the MX2 class for KTM.

Red Bull Teka KTM’s teenager Ken Roczen has taken out the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, becoming the first German to take out a world title in 43 years.

Roczen endured a tough day at Gaildorf’s season finale, finishing second overall despite crashing during the motos, which was good enough to be the champion.

The 17-year-old said it was the greatest moment of his life, meeting expectations after finishing second in the series as a rookie last year.

“It’s unbelievable for me,” Roczen said. “It’s my biggest moment ever. I went over the line and I could barely stand.

“I was crying and seriously this is the best feeling I ever had. I’m really happy with how things are gong and with all the team so a big thanks to everyone.

“It’s my second and a half year in the GPs and it’s amazing. I want to thank everyone who helped me, it was an amazing race and the last two laps were just so long.

“When I crashed I thought it was over to win here, but then Tommy passed Jeffrey and it was all good.”

The MX2 GP victory went to British rider Tommy Searle for CLS Monster Energy Kawasaki, while Roczen’s teammate Jeffrey Herlings rounded out the podium.