Reigning MX2 world champion and current points Jorge Prado has committed himself to the MXGP World Championship by extending his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing contract through the 2023 season.

The Spaniard, who missed the second round with injury, has won each and every moto he’s lined up for so far in the 2019 series, and currently leads Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) by 44 points.

If Prado does in fact successfully defend his title, he’ll be forced to graduate to the premier class in 2020 at just 18 years of age.

“KTM have supported me since I started racing and winning my first world title in the 65s,” Prado explained. “They offered me a great opportunity for MXGP because if I win this year then I’ll need to be on a 450 and so this all came together very easily.

“I’m very happy to stay another four years and we’re both excited about it. Since I joined this team and worked with Claudio [De Carli] I’ve really felt that my place was to stay here and learn. He has a lot of experience and I’m sure we’ll make a good pass to the 450s. I have a great team behind me and it is difficult to find a better place than where I am right now.”

Red Bull KTM MXGP team manager Claudio De Carli added: “In our sport we can never take anything taken for granted, so it is always satisfying when renewals like this happen and we can continue our journey. It is the sign that we are working in the right direction and the continuity in relationships means that the group is solid and close-knit.

“With Jorge I have had again the chance to help a young rider, which has always been one of my priorities, and I thank KTM for this. In the last two years I can only say that with Jorge we have always worked with the utmost commitment and with a smile, even in difficult times. He is a fantastic boy that deserves all his success.”

The current MXGP returns to action 7 July at Palembang in Indonesia.