MX2 World Championship regular Julien Lieber will graduate to the premier MXGP category in 2018 after signing a deal with the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team.

Lieber, who missed the 2016 season with multiple injuries, currently sits fifth in the MX2 standings, claiming five podiums aboard his LRT KTM.

The Belgium talent revealed his goal this season was to earn a ride in the premier class for 2018, which he is delighted to achieve after posting a series of strong results in the quarter-litre category.

“Coming back to racing this season, one of my goals was to get a top ride for the MXGP class,” Lieber explained. “And I’m so happy to have achieved that – joining the main class with such a professional team is like a dream, and for sure I will do my best to get strong results.

“There’s a lot of top riders in the MXGP but I already trained and raced on a 450 a couple of years ago and I think that this class will suit my riding style.

“I’ve ridden a 250 for seven years now, so it really is the right moment to move up and you can’t do it in a more professional team than the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team. I’m also happy to be teammate with Clément, we already have a good relationship and I’m sure we’ll work closely together.”

Lieber will finish out the MX2 championship with his current KTM-baced outfit, as well as representing Belgium at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations before he commences preparations with the factory Kawasaki team alongside team regular Clement Desalle.