CFMOTO has started their first year in the Moto3 world championship with strong results, and Aussie Joel Kelso is keen to reap the rewards as he joins the team for the 2023 season.

The two current riders Carlos Tatay and Xavier Artigas, started the team off strong in 2022, taking the team’s first podium in the third race in Indonesia.

Former 125cc world champion Tom Lüthi and team boss, Florian Prüstel,  have proved to be a successful combination and are looking to continue the development, and innovation of the CFMOTO race package.

Australian Joel Kelso will replace Carlos Tatay in the ranks of the CFMOTO race team for 2023 season with Xavier Artigas remaining.

Joel Kelso, first gained experience as a substitute rider in Moto3 category in 2021, before getting a full time ride in 2022 with KTM CIP Green Power.

At the age of 15, Kelso moved to Italy, then Spain, and now at the age of 19 is primarily focused on becoming a professional racer. Kelso competed in the Italian Championship CIV, then the Spanish Championship CEV and with 3 wins took a strong overall 4th place in the Moto3 Junior World Championship last year.

Kelso plans to permanently race for top positions in the 2023 season with the support of the CFMOTO factory team.

“First of all, I’m really excited about this new project for next year,” said Kelso “being a part of the team and racing for CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP. Honestly, the goal is to be in the front in most of the races and I think it’s a doable task for me. Especially since the team is very strong, experienced and competitive. I want to show my speed, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity at CFMOTO to fight for podiums.”

The next round of the Moto3 championship is MotorLand Aragon 16 – 18 September.

PHOTOGRAPHY // RLEKL // GOLD&GOOSE