BIKEOFF ROADFIM WORLD MOTOCROSS

Yamaha Monster Energy MX has confirmed its rider line-ups for the MX World Championship.

For the first time since 2005, the most successful team in the history of the MX1 category will divide its attentions between MX1 and MX2 machinery.

2008 champion David Philippaerts will begin his third season with the team, riding the YZ450FM in MX1, while Gautier Paulin will ride the YZ250FM in MX2.

“I feel good and I am really enjoying the new bike,” said the 25-year-old Philippaerts. “We will keep on working through the season and although the level of the competition will again be high and there will be some surprises – as every year – I know I am in a good position. I must avoid mistakes and keep consistent with the points.”

“‘The standard motorcycle is already very good and the team have taken steps to personalise the race bike for me. Every time I ride it I am satisfied; it feels light and very responsive. We still have to see our level compared to the others but I am very positive.”

Riding for Kawasaki last season, Frenchman Paulin finished third in MX2, only his second full year in the World Championship, and is looking forward to a full out title assault with his new team.

“I stayed in America for two months and all the motocross and supercross riding and training I did there really helped my mental and physical state, I am so excited to get started,” said the 19 year old. “I was happy when I knew the team were interested in me and as soon as I tested the bike I wanted to sign the contract. The team is already pushing and supporting me so much and I have never had anything like that.”

Meanwhile, the factory-backed Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci MX Team will enter MX1 with Ken de Dycker and MX2 with Loic Larrieu and Alessandro Lupino.

“This is a bit of a change for me but I am already feeling quite comfortable in the team and its family atmosphere,’ said Belgian rider, de Dycker, has been a regular Grand Prix winner since 2007. “I feel really good on the bike. David won the title in his first year with Yamaha and the manufacturer certainly has won many titles so all this can help me this season.”

Frenchman Larrieu was a podium finisher in his rookie MX2 season last year, while Lupino is in his third year with the team and hoping for a change in fortunes after an injury-plagued 12 months.

A third Yamaha team will also join the paddock this season, as Yamaha Gariboldi Monster Energy will field bikes in MX2 for European champion Christophe Charlier and promising Finn Harri Kullas.

Watch every round of the MX1, MX2 and Women’s MX World Championships LIVE on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson