After years of success with KTM, Cyril Despres has announced that he will leave the Austrian manufacturer as their rally team takes on an all-new structure for 2013.

The new team will field a three rider lineup which consists of Marc Coma, Ruben Faria and Kurt Caselli. In addition, Francesco Lopez of Chile will ride alongside the team with a factory supported KTM package.

Head of KTM Motorsports Pit Beirer explained that KTM had enjoyed a great era with Despres, but when he indicated that he wanted to move on and face new challenges that the company had to respect his wish.

“His exemplary achievements are recognized throughout the world of motorsports and he will always be part of the history of our company,” said Beirer. “We thank him for his contribution and I join with everyone at KTM Motorsports and our entire company to wish him well for his chosen future.”

Beirer believes that in order to constantly develop their KTM rally bike, it is essential to evolve and engage new talent within their factory team.

“Just as we always look to the future by constantly developing our rally bikes, we must also do that same with the structure of our factory team,” Beirer explained. “It is essential to evolve, to engage new talent and have the kind of balance and harmony essential for the smooth operation of the team in extreme circumstances like the Dakar Rally.

“We want to capitalize on the immense experience and talent of riders like Coma, but also need to take advantage of those of ambitious up and coming riders like Caselli, Faria and Lopez.”

Although the Frenchman Despres will no longer be heading up the KTM factory rally effort, Beirer is confident that they will continue to play a dominant role within the sport.

“We must invest in new talent, just as we invest in new technology and I am confident that with the new team structure we will continue to play a dominant role in rally sport,” he added.