Australian MX2 champion Luke Styke is GP-bound for 2014. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Australian MX2 Motocross Champion Luke Styke will seek a top five result when he makes his FIM Motocross World Championship debut with Kemea Reytec van de Laar Yamaha in 2014.

Styke becomes the third Australian regular in grands prix for next year alongside Dean Ferris and Todd Waters, joining Petar Petrov in the Yamaha Motor Europe-supported team.

Following a dominant outdoor season in Australia that saw Styke race to nine out of 10 MX Nationals round wins, he enters his maiden European campaign with form on his side.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to have a good deal and team for 2014,” Styke said. “I can’t wait to come over, start testing the new Yamaha YZ250F and meet the team. Next year is going to be an awesome experience moving to Europe.

“I really look forward to meeting new people and to race in such a high level of racing every weekend. My goal for next year is to finish within the top five.’

Team manager Marnicq Bervoets, himself a former GP legend, is excited to work alongside Styke next season after witnessing him at last year’s Motocross of Nations in Belgium.

“I’m really excited for next year,” he explained. “Luke is a great addition to the team. I saw him riding last year at the MXoN in Lommel and he made a good impression on me.

“He has a good style and showed some great speed this year in Australia. He is really excited and motivated to come over. I expect him on the same level as Petar for next year [in fourth to eighth places].

“I’m also very stoked on the extra support of Yamaha Motor Europe we will get. When the team started in the GPs two years ago the goal was to grow every year. The extra support from Yamaha Motor Netherland next year allows us to get more and more professional.”

Styke will complete his contract with Serco Yamaha during the upcoming Australian Supercross Championships before setting his sights on Europe for next season.