Scotland's Tarran Mackenzie has signed for Redline KTM and will mount a full title challenge on the Austrian manufacturer's RC125 machine which is identical to those used in the Red Bull Rookies series.

The 16-year-old, who is the youngest son of legend Niall, already has two seasons experience in the class and finished 13th overall in 2011, with a best result of fourth, rode the KTM purpose-built race bike fresh from its crate for the first time at Mallory Park on November 26 and was instantly impressed.

“I’m really excited about this. The bike had never turned a wheel when we tested and it still exceeded my expectations – it’s very fast. I’m just gutted we’ve got such a long wait until the start of the season," he said.