Image: Supplied.

Queensland teenager Liam Owens will graduate to the MX2 World Championship full-time in 2027, continuing with CAT Moto Bauerschmidt KTM for another season.

Owens, 19, joined the Dutch team ahead of the 2024 EMX250 season, before breaking through with three top-five finishes during 2025, as well as claiming a first podium at the final round in Turkey.

A broken shoulder sustained at Italy’s seventh round brought his 2026 campaign to a premature end, with Owens finishing 12th in the standings, despite missing the final five events. He scored a season-high second at the MXGP of Latvia, while adding another top-five finish in Switzerland.

“A special day for us as we officially announce that we’ll be stepping up to the MX2 World Championship together with Liam Owens,” a statement from the team announced. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re ready for it – more motivated than ever and excited to take the next step together.”

The Andre Stumpf-led organisation is expected to compete in both EMX250 and the MX2 division in 2027, continuing its progression in European competition since its introduction to the international stage three years ago.