I read an article in a European magazine last year where they interviewed David Knight. He said he liked riding the KTM300 2-stroke better and felt he was at a disadvantage to Nambotin with his Gasgas 2-stoke, but, KTM wanted him on the 505 thumper.
In Europe, it seems the factories are king and the riders are expendible.
In the Erzberg, KTM won't let any non-KTM bike win that event that is in their backyard. I have heard they place assistance for KTM riders in the difficult sections.
European racing is such a different animal than here in the states. But, those Euro's kick butt off-road! (Juha in GNCC!)