It was in the air since June! It's now official: Matthew PHILLIPS (AUS) leaves the KTM Farioli team to return to CH Racing team.
Present on the EWC for three years now, 2012 ISDE sensation (Finland) had been brought from his native Tasmania by Fabrizio AZZALIN, while this one was working with Husqvarna, to target the Junior title. He did it with some ease for his first season, dominating riders as Giacomo REDONDI (I) and MCCANNEY's brothers. Unfortunately for the CH Racing team and its manager, after the acquisition of Husqvarna by KTM, PHILLIPS has decided to join the huge and impressive KTM team managed by Fabio FARIOLI…
After a E3 World title won during his first Senior year and a Vice-Champion title this season, the Aussie, who's free of any contract after the last GP in France, has decided to join his former team that became, by the time, one of the two official Sherco team!
"When AZZA contacted me, I've seen there the opportunity to return in a great and cordial team that's always at your disposal and that gave the chance to fight with the best riders in the world in 2013! It was a real pleasure to work with the entire CH Racing team. I'm already looking forward to start testing my Sherco and to bring back a title to the team since the last one won in Junior in 2013…” confided PHILLIPS…
"My relationship with Matthew has been always strong…” smiled AZZALIN "… When I saw the opportunity to bring him back in the team, I directly called Marc TEISSIER (Sherco boss) who approved my choice! His signature will certainly bring Sherco in another dimension, moreover with the new EnduroGP class!”
After two years break, the love story between AZZA and his "Minotaur” starts over again in 2016! They still have to define which bike the Australian will ride but already, this first transfer announces a completely crazy off-season that can change the face of the EWC next season!
PHILLIPS Digest
Name: PHILLIPS Matthew
Nationality: Australian
Date of Birth: June, 23rd 1993
Place of Birth: Tasmania
Career Highlights:
2011: E3 Australian Champion
2012: E2 Australian Champion
2013: Junior World Champion
2014: E3 World Champion
2015: E3 Vice-Champion
Enduro ABC