Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has signed Slovenian talent Tim Gajser to an extended five-year contract that will see him remain on board Honda machinery through at least 2020.

Gajser, 18, has been a revelation in MX2 with the Honda Gariboldi Racing team, prompting HRC to re-sign him long-term now despite already having an existing deal through 2016.

“It’s just amazing and I’m thankful to everyone at Honda, HRC and the Gariboldi team for this deal,” Gajser said. “Three years ago when I came here it was unbelievable to think of riding for Honda and now I can say it’s a pleasure that I can ride with them and together we are getting the results.

“We work really hard together and I think we’ve improved a lot from last year, which was only our first in MX2. I’m really happy, so is my family and I think everybody in the team too. We are like one big family, working together really well and it’s paying off – the results are coming and everything is going so well. It’s a great feeling to be able to just go out there and have fun without having to think about where I will be the next season and to stay with Honda is like a dream.”

HRC MXGP general manager Roger Harvey said it was a major coup to secure Gajser for the next five seasons and has confidence they will win world championships together.

“Clearly we’re delighted to extend the mutual commitment between HRC and Tim and keep him on the Honda CRF for at least another five seasons,” Harvey explained. “Given his performances this season, it’s no surprise that he was in high demand and it shows how well the relationship between him, the team and HRC is working that he has committed for the next five years.

“It’s easy to forget that his first MX2 race win came only three months ago. It’s been great to see the way he’s developed with the Honda Gariboldi team and with the support of HRC to now be at the front of the world championship and at only 18 years old. We are in no doubt that with Tim Honda will win titles, the only question is how many.”

With four grand prix victories to date in 2015, Gajser currently sits second in the world championship standings following the Belgian round last Sunday.