The season isn’t over until it’s over—true to this motto, preparations for the upcoming racing season are already in full swing at Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing. A good two weeks after the IDM finale at Hockenheim, and while the current World Championship season is still underway, the team has already selected its second rider for 2025.
Team principal Carsten Freudenberg has re-signed Dutch driver Jeffrey Buis, who has been part of the team since the start of this year, for the upcoming season. Alongside him, Phillip Tonn—who had already announced his contract extension at Hockenheim—will also race for Freudenberg in 2025. This means that two strong drivers are now confirmed for next season.
Jeffrey Buis, 22, who already has two world championship titles to his name, spoke with confidence about his new contract: “The collaboration has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to competing with the Freudenberg team again in 2025,” he said, praising the partnership. He added that he is particularly excited to see what opportunities the future holds for him and the team.
Carsten Freudenberg shares the excitement about the challenges ahead: “We are very happy to have already signed two strong drivers for 2025—Jeffrey Buis and Phillip Tonn—even before the end of the season,” he explained. This early planning gives the team and the drivers the perfect opportunity to prepare intensively for the upcoming season and further build on their existing potential. In particular, the continued partnership with Jeffrey Buis is a clear sign that the young driver finds the optimal conditions within the team to continue his success.
The contract extensions pertain to the team’s participation in the 300cc class of the World Championship, but do not yet guarantee that the Freudenberg team will compete in the IDM. Whether the team will compete there as well or pursue alternative plans in other classes remains to be seen. “Unfortunately, I can’t say anything specific about that at the moment,” said team boss Carsten Freudenberg regarding his team’s future plans.
Starting in 2025, the IDM will introduce a new sportbike category, which is intended to replace the junior class and will also be established in the Superbike World Championship starting in 2026. This new entry-level class will feature motorcycles with engine displacements ranging from 600 to 700 cc. However, if enough riders sign up for the SSP 300 in the IDM, it could continue next year as well.