Ben Watson took the MX2 British championship with some forceful and determined riding at Preston Docks on Sunday.

He said: “I am completely overwhelmed with it all at this very moment, but it’s great to release the pressure of winning the championship with a round still to go – as it would have been terrible to have to wait another month to win it. Riders always say this after a win, but I have to say it to because it’s true; that I couldn’t have done it without the team effort and I must say a big thank you Hitachi KTM, Red Bull, and the Contract Furniture Group – and all those who stood behind me and had faith in me after spending most of last year being out of racing with a broken foot. And, of course, I have to thank my Mum and Dad who travel the world with me supporting and encouraging me and I wouldn’t be here today without them.”

His team boss Roger Magee said: “The year has gone the way we wanted it with Ben winning the championship, as we knew he could from the start. It was a great disappointment when Jake (Nicholls) had to drop out of the MX1 series after two round after being injured in Italy, because we were hoping for both championships, but lady luck wasn’t on Jake’s side with the injury from which he is fully recovered from now and we hope to see him back on track before the season has finished. But fair play to Ben who rode well and with his head all year. Despite some issues we had to work through in the earlier rounds, he showed his class today and did what he had to do to win the championship and we can’t be happier. This is the eleventh championship the team has had since 2008 for KTM and we hope in some way we have repaid their faith in us and we are looking forward to next year with a stronger team and more success.”