The Johansson Yamaha Official Junior Enduro Team are proud to announce the signing of Kyle Flanagan, with the young racer set to contest the remaining three rounds of the 2018 FIM Enduro Junior World Championship in Italy, France and Germany. Demonstrating his potential by winning the opening round of the 2018 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Poland, the South African is looking forward to a successful switch to outdoor enduro racing.
At just 22 years of age, Flanagan is one of the up-and-coming talents in international extreme and indoor enduro racing. A Yamaha rider for the past two seasons, the South African can’t wait to make his debut in the FIM Enduro World Championship aboard the Johansson Yamaha Official Junior Enduro Team’s WR250F machine.
Flanagan will act as a replacement rider for Sweden’s Erik Appelqvist, who suffered injury following a fall at the latest round of the Swedish Enduro Championship. Requiring a significant rehabilitation period, Erik is now working towards a full recovery before considering a return to competitive action. Yamaha Racing and the Johansson Yamaha Official Junior Enduro Team wish Erik a speedy and complete recovery.
Round six of the 2018 FIM Enduro World Championship takes place in Edolo, Italy on August 31, September 2.
Joakim Johansson
Johansson Yamaha Official Junior Enduro Team Manager
“We’re pleased to have Kyle race the remainder of the season with our team. We’ve been following his progress over the last couple of years and we believe he has the ability to be a top contender in the class. am looking forward to start working with Kyle. It’s been a challenging season for our team and we are all disappointed that Erik won’t be able to finish the season with us. I am personally in touch with Erik and his family on a regular basis following his injury at the Swedish series. Erik is getting better and better every day. He can now stand up and has regained movement of his legs and arms. It will take time for him to recover fully but we all remain positive and wish him the very best.”
Alexandre Kowalski
Yamaha Motor Europe Rally & Enduro Racing Manager
“We’re looking forward to working with Kyle for the remainder of the season. At only 22 years of age, Kyle has already made a name for himself in the international indoor and outdoor enduro racing scene. Our goal is to provide him with all that’s needed so that he can show his true potential and continue to improve. I would also like to send my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to Erik Appelqvist. Erik has been making some steady progress since his injury at the Swedish Enduro Championship and we are all positive he is on the right track for a full recovery.”
Calendar – 2018 FIM EnduroGP World Championship
Round 1 – 17/18 March: GP of Finland (Helsinki – Paijanne) [No Enduro Junior]
Round 2 – 29/29 April: GP of Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
Round 3 – 4/6 May: GP of Portugal (Castelo Branco)
Round 4 – 1/3 June: GP of Estonia (Tallinn)
Round 5 – 29/30 June: GP of Trentino (Arco di Trento) [No Enduro Junior]
Round 6 – 31 August/2 September: GP of Italy (Edolo)
Round 7 – 22/23 September: GP of France (Methamis)
Round 8 – 12/14 October: GP of Germany (Rüdersdorf)
Kyle Flanagan
Johansson Yamaha Official Junior Enduro Team Rider