Sunday’s French GP was the last ride on a JTech Suzuki for former MXoN winner Ken De Dycker as he will join the 24MX Honda team for the remaining rounds of the MXGP World Championship. The popular 32-year-old veteran will make his return on the CRF450R at the MXGP of Russia, round 9 of the series, as the JTech team has folded due to ill health of its owners.

Although there’s no precise date set for the MXGP return of 24MX’s Jaap Corneth who is out with a broken middle finger, De Dycker will effectively run as the third rider of the team. Ken has a long association with Honda and rode for the 24MX Honda team in 2016. With more than 180 GPs and 15 moto wins in the top category behind his name, Ken is one of the most experienced riders competing in MXGP. Since 2006 the lanky Belgian collected six top-five overall finishes in the series. In national racing, he has British, German and Belgian MX1 titles under his belt.

De Dycker said: “Unfortunately things didn’t work out like I’d hoped with my previous team. It’s a pity for everyone involved but that’s how it is. I’m really looking forward to racing on a red bike again! Damon Graulus has been going well lately so it will be interesting for me to show what I’m capable of with 24MX Honda!”