Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : FIM MX3 Motocross World Championship

Czech Michek fastest in Troyan

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:18:00 +0200

Troyan circuit waked up to sunny morning. Everybody was looking forward to racing on this well prepared track. First turn was on 65cc and 85cc classes, but then could start fights for victory in MX3 cathegory. In the first race dominated Slovenian Klemen Gercar. Afterall first overall victory in career tended to Czech KTM rider Martin Michek.

Race 1
UFO Racing Team rider Klemen Gercar with no. 62 on his back shined in the first race MX3 on Sunday. Klemen Gercar profited from very good start. As many riders noticed yesterday, start is one of the most important parts of race here in Troyan MX track. In the first corner he was fighting for the first place with Michael Staufer. In a big mess was Klemen the fastest and he pushed hard every lap until the end and he could come for victory in the Race 1.

Klemen Gercar right after the Race 1: "I´m very happy that I win. I love the track here and everything. My bike was perfect and aslo the whole my team. The start was really good for me, I was first for all time long. Also I save energy for the second race."

Just right next to Klemen Gercar in the first corner Michael Staufer was trying to get the holeshot. He was riding in second place in the first lap. Another Slovenian rider Mateuz Irt was attacking him all the time. Finally after several turns Irt took Staufer over and second place belongs to Slovenian rider. Thanks to his fast and good technically ride Irt enlarged the gap in front of third Staufer.

Michael Staufer was a little bit disappointed. He had very good start, fast ride, but he was not able to catch motivated Slovenian riders. Stable and concentrated ride brought him third place in Race one. The same result as in qualifying races.

Yesterday´s qualification winner Martin Michek was fast in the start too. Then in the first corner all the riders closed him. His position after start wasn´t good, but he was fighting in every turn and during the race Martin catchig up third Michael Staufer. At the finish line was gap between Michek and Staufer only one second.

After first four riders was 15 secs gap. Overall championship leader Austrian Matthias Walkner finished on his KTM at fifth place. First laps he was fighting around seventh position, then he pushed harder and moved to the front. In the end of the Race 1 was he faster than Finnish Honda rider Antti Pyrhönen. Antti´s aim was to finish in top five. This year riders are mostly at the same level and not good start for Antti signified sixth position.

Faster of Schmidinger brothers Günter was trying to catch Antti, but Antti defended his position. The result from this fight was seventh for Günter. The next three riders crossed finish line with 10 secs gap to Schmidinger. Top ten riders of Race 1 closed Polish rider Lukasz Lonka, another Czech rider Petr Bartos and second Finnish rider in top Ludvig Söderberg.

Race 2
Afternoon´s Race 2 changed a lot. For that time it was Michek´s turn. He took better start position, got the holeshot and after that everything went better. In the beginning of Race 2 Czech rider Martin Michek was catchig up with Slovenian Mateuz Irt. After 15 minutes of riding Mateuz cashed and lost plenty positions. Michek was ready to come for his first MX3 victory.

Martin Michek: "I am so so happy. This is my first win in this race and also first overall win. In the warp up I had a bad crash, so in the Race 1 I was riding with a pain. I hadn´t good start, but I finished fourth. In the second race I took the holeshot and I was ready to win. Everything went well, motorbike was perfect and I was fast. I am happy."

Team MiBag Schmidinger World MX rider Günter Schmidinger showed ride of this season. In the first laps he was making nervous Mateuz Irt, the second rider in that time. After Irt´s crash Günter moved to second place and he was closing Michek. Finally Günter Schmidinger ended in the second place and it brought to him also second overall.

Günter Schmidinger: "The battle with Martin was fun. It was also difficult to go faster than Martin. I was trying to ride without mistakes. But finally, I am satisfied and also happy with my podium."

Ceriel Klein Kromhof, Dutch rider, pushed to his maximum. His performance in Race 2 was great. In the second part of Race 2 he was defending his third in front of Matthias Walkner. Fight wheel to wheel lasted to the end of race. More succesful were Kromhof.

Matthias finished in fourth place. On the other hand he can be peaceful, because he is still leading the overall championship classification. It means for him red plate for next Italian round too. Best lap in that Race 2 belongs just right for Matthias Walkner, Austrian KTM rider.

Antti Pyrhönen´s wish to be in the top five riders this weekend became reality in the second race. He made a good start, better performance and everything was ready for nice result. Every rider wanted to be the best, for this reason he hadn´t it easy. In the end he succesfully defend his fifth and in last lap he took over slower Klemen Gercar.

Klemen´s second race was looking very good. He started around fifth position, but he was moving to the front. It cost him a lot of forces and in last two laps he was loosing positions. He finished sixth, but in overall classification on Bulgarian round he went to podium to second place.

Only one second behind Gercar finished fast rider Mateuz Irt. Due to his mistake after few laps he obtained seventh position. Martin Michek´s teammate Petr Bartos was catching up with another Czech rider Petr Michalec for eight position. Petr Bartos was faster with 2 secs lead. Michael Staufer was in top five in the beginning of the race, but then he started to loose positions. He finished in tenth place.

MX3 Race 1 Results – 1. Gercar Klemen (SLO, Honda), 34:07.490; 2. Irt Matevz (SLO, Suzuki), 34:10.248; 3. Staufer Michael (AUT, KTM), 34:11.869; 4. Michek Martin (CZE, KTM), 34:12.920; 5. Walkner Matthias (AUT, KTM), 34:28.079; 6. Pyrhonen Antti (FIN, Honda), 34:34. 746; 7. Schmidinger Gunter (AUT, Honda), 34:40.048, 8. Lonka Lukasz (POL, Honda), 34:49.768; 9. Bartoš Petr (CZE, KTM), 34:51.125; 10. Söderberg Ludvig (FIN, Honda), 34:52.445

MX3 Race 2 Results – 1. Michek Martin (CZE, KTM), 33:54.039; 2. Schmidinger Gunter (AUT, Honda), 33:55.637; 3. Klein Kromhof Ceriel (NED, Honda), 4. Walkner Matthias (AUT, KTM), 34:09. 807; 5. Pyrhonen Antti (FIN, Honda), 34:14.825; 6. Klemen Gercar (SLO, Honda), 34:15.735; 7. Irt Matevz (SLO, Suzuki), 34:16.261; 8. Bartoš Petr (CZE, KTM); 9. Michalec Petr (CZE, Honda), 34:35.428; 10. Staufer Michael (AUT, KTM), 34:53.110

MX3 Overall Classification - 1. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 43 points2. Gercar Klemen (SLO, Honda), 40 p.3. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 36 p.4. Matevz Irt (SLO, Suzuki), 36 p.5. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 34 p.6. Antti Pyrhönen (FIN, Honda), 31 p.7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 31 p.8. Ceriel Klein Kromhof (NED, Honda), 29 p.9. Petr Bartos (CZE, KTM), 25 p.10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 22 p.

MX3 Championship Classification - 1. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 95 points2. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 88 p.3. Antti Pyrhönen (FIN, Honda), 87 p.4. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 74 p.5. Gercar Klemen (SLO, Honda), 73 p.6. Lukasz Lonka (POL, Honda), 72 p.7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 53 p.8. Ceriel Klein Kromhof (NED, Honda), 49 p.9. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 47 p.10. Kevin Wouts (BEL, Kawasaki), 47 p.

Soubeyras, Aranda prevail on home soil

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:26:00 +0200

Weather forecast did not look friendly for today, but when we arrived to track, sun was everywhere with only a few clouds. Until noon stayed weather at the same, but after noon everything changed. Fast wind complicated situation and showers came too. MX3 riders were ready on start to fight for first positions after yesterday´s interesting qualification. This event hosted MX1 and MX2 riders and one of them Cedric Soubeyras became the best.

Race 1

Honda France HDI MX team rider Cedric Soubeyras had a good time today just from the beginning. After great start he was fighting in first two corners with Rui Goncalves, but then he pushed harder and he was moving away from the another riders. In every lap he was making best times and Rui was trying to catch him. It was impossible.

Honda World Motocross rider Rui Goncalves, was riding at second position. Group of riders behind him was closer by every lap. He wasn´t able to defend his place and he had to let his position to Jonathan Barragan. Just behind Jonathan were also another very fast guy. Home Gregory Aranda was attacking leading positions, but in first race he hadn ´t successful start, so he was satisfied with his third. Gregory on Yamaha bike lost only two secs to Jonathan.

At least Portugese rider of Honda World Motocross Rui obtained only fourth. At the end he was under Milko´s Potisek offensive. Milko visited MX3, but he didn´t get the front positions for nothing. He has to push hard to be in the first top five.

Martin Michek, Czech KTM rider, managed to be one of the best, too. His times and performance showed to everybody, that he belongs to the top. In the end, he finished sixth, just behind skilled riders. Fight for seventh place was between two Austrians. More successfully was Matthias Walkner, he finished seventh and the next Austrian Schmidinger obtained eighth in Race 1. First top ten closed Antti Pyrhonen and well riding, fast Klemen Gercar.

Race 2

Afternoon the weather went worst. Clouds comed to village Castelnau de Lévis after wind started to rain. Everything was ready to start, so MX3 riders ran in to race. First corner was in home Aranda´s hands. In the first corner was right next to him Austrian Gunter Schmidinger. Gunter was riding wheel on wheel with Aranda for next few minutes, but after time nobody couldn´t stop him and Gregory Aranda finished at home in second Race on the first place. In overall he obtained second. From start was in the front Czech rider Martin Michek again.

Cedric Soubeyras, who won the Race one, did not start in the Race two at good position. He was fighting from behind and every little move to the frond cost him too many forces. Every little step to the front meant for Honda France HDI MX rider in overall the highest place on the podium.

Johnatan Barragan was catching up with Cedric for the first for a few minutes, but finally was Cedric better. Johnatan looks satisfied with third overall and round in MX3 was a good preparation before the next Grand Prix. Milko Potisek, Honda France HDI MX rider too, was riding in the rain very surely and it brought him fourth. Martin Michek, after great start, was fifth in the finish. All the time he was attacking the leading positions with his KTM.

In second Race was Gunter Schmidinger from Team Mibag better. His performance drove him to sixth, a few second in front of Portugese Rui Goncalves. Rui was loosing his positions in race two every lap, so he was pleased to be seventh. Behind these riders was bigger gap and first top ten closed Antti Pyrhonen, Michael Staufer and the tenth place was again for Slovenian Klemen Gercar.

MX3 Race 1 results – 1. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 36:03.552; 2. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), 36:07.060; 3. . Gregory Aranda (FRA, Yamaha), 36:09.106; 4. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 36:22.650; 5. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 36:27.587; 6. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 36:32.877; 7. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 36:53.175; 8. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 36:57.354; 8. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 37:08.870; 10. Klemen Gercar (SLO, Honda) 37:09.949

MX3 Race 2 results – 1. Aranda Gregory (FRA, Yamaha), 34:36.587; 2. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 34:40.000; 3. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), 34:45.104; 4. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 34:59.662; 5. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 35:04.651; 6. Gunter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 35:13.947; 7. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda),35:27.187; 8. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 35:48.517; 9. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM),35:55. 134 10. Klemen Gercar (SLO, Honda), 36:03.988

MX3 Overall Classification - 1. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 47 points; 2. Gregory Aranda (FRA, Yamaha), 45 p.; 3. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), 42 p.; 4. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 34 p.; 5. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 32 p.; 6. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 28 p.; 8. Antti Pyrhönen (FIN, Honda), 25 p.; 9. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 24 p.; 10. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 22 p

MX3 Championship Classification - 1. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 61 points; 2. Antti Pyrhönen (FIN, Honda), 56 p.; 3. Lukasz Lonka (POL, Honda), 52 p.; 4. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 52 p.; 5. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 47 p.; 6. Kevin Wouts (BEL, Kawasaki), 47 p.; 7. Gregory Aranda (FRA, Yamaha), 45 p.; 8. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), 42 p.; 9. Yentel Martens (BEL, Kawasaki), 41 p.; 10. Rasmus Sjöberg (SWE, Honda), 36 p.

Home comfort suits Soubeyras

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0200

Second round of FIM World Motocross Championship in MX3 continues in little village in southern France – Castelnau de Lévis. Oceanic climate is here, so weather is changing every few minutes. At night it was raining, then track was really soaked, but after every race became track drier and drier. In Qualifying race was the fastest man French Cedric Soubeyras. As first were on track MX3 riders. Track was really wet with very sticky mud. In MX3 cathegory also started riders from MX1 and MX2. Fastest man in the morning in Pre-Qualifying was Gregory Aranda from France on Yamaha bike. During the day the weather went better and we did not see any rain. Track with a lot of turns and steepy passages was ideal for riding in afternoon. Riders could pushed harder and fight for first position in Qualifying Race started. From start and first corner led Portuguese Honda World Motocross rider Rui Goncalves. Home Cedric Soubeyras was attacking his back all the time. In the fourth lap Cedric Soubeyras from Honda France HDI MX took Rui over and Cedric stayed in lead until finish with 4 seconds gap. Goncalves didn´t have it easy. Immediately was breathing on his neck rider LS Honda Racing Spanish Jonathan Barragan. Jonathan was chasing him 8 laps and obtained third place. Winner of morning´s Pre-Qualifying Gregory Aranda finished in Qualifying race fourth. Good result achieved Czech Martin Michek too, when he closed first top five riders. From start was in first top five Austrian Gunter Schmidinger, but in half of the race he started to loose positions. In the end he obtained only seventh, because another Austrian Michael Staufer was better in last lap. Eighth place obtained rider from Sweden Rasmus Sjoberg. He was faster than two Slovenian riders Matevz Irt and Klemen Gercar. Form of Antti Pyrhonen is still not good as he wants. His goal is to win whole season, but his reluts do not suggest to that. MX3 Qualifying Race results - 1. Cedric Soubeyras (FRA, Honda), 26:42.543´; 2. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), 26:46.047; 3. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), 26:47.553; 4. Gregory Aranda (FRA, Yamaha), 26:50.123; 5. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 27:16.277; 6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 27:17.826; 7. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 27:19.395; 8. Rasmus Sjöberg (SWE, Honda), 27:38.906; 9. Matevz Irt (SLO, Suzuki), 27:46.733; 10. Gercar Klemen (SLO, Honda), 27:48.184

Wouts dominates in Valkenswaard

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:39:00 +0200

On Monday Valkenswaard´s paddock woke up to rainy day and weather forecast didn´t look better. MX3 closed this weekend full of racing and sandy track was very difficult after MX1 and MX2 riders. Even more heavy rain complicated MX3 Race two. Kevin Wouts became the overall winner of the GP of Valkenswaard. In the morning the MX3 riders were prepared to start their first race of 2012 season. Everybody was focused on the first corner. Kevin Wouts semmed to be in a perfect condition. From start he pushed hard, but he finished second. He wasn´t able to catch his compatriot Yentel Martens. Heavy rain during Race made the track rougher and Yentel Martens obtained only the fifth place. On the other hand, Kevin Wouts had no problems riding with the rain, he was the fastest and he managed to be on the top of podium. Yentel Martens: "It looks good, when I was second in qualifying. In the race one I rode without mistakes and it brings me a great victory. Second was not as good, weather became worse and I wasn´t be so fast. But in overall I am second, I am satisfied." Hillinger KTM MX-Racing Team rider Matthias Walkner was third overall. In the first race he was fast from the begining. Then he lost a couple of seconds and finished sixth. Matthias Walkner: "I was fast, I was riding at my limit and then I lost all of my energy, I was too exausted and I couldn´t stay in the first positions. The Race 2 was completely different. It was raining, I was fast and I had a good luck, when I won. My dream becomes a reality." Good result aslo achieved Polish rider Lukasz Lonka. In the Race 1 was he 5th and in the second race fourth, which brough him to the 4th place overall. Antti Pyrhӧnen was very motivated to become the 2012 MX3 World Champion, but this weekend wasn´t in his direction. Antti´s performance in Valkenswaard suffied only for fifth position. Kim Lindstrom was very fast in the second moto and he finished 3, which gave him the final sixth position. Jamie Law from Great Britain was riding on his KTM very well. He defended successful from Swedish Sjobergs attacks in the second race MX3 of a day. The top ten was completed by Marvin Van Daele, Gunter Schmidinger and home rider Michael Hool. This weekend 23,000 spectators made a really good atmosphere here in Valkenswaard and everybody is now thinking about next week´s round in Castelnau de Levis (France). MX3 - Race 1 results: 1. Yentel Martens (BEL, Kawasaki), 35:10.956; 2. Kevin Wouts (BEL, Kawasaki), 35:19.074; 3. Ceriel Klein Kromhof (NED, Honda), 35:24.754; 4. Antti Pyrhӧnen (FIN, Honda), 35:59.874; 5. Lukasz Lonka (POL, Honda), 36:02.243; 6. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), 36:10.038; 7. Günter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 36.10.970; 8. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, Kawasaki), 36:12.302; 9. Jamie Law (GBR, KTM), 36:28.814; 10. Michael Hool (NED, TM), 36:29.327 MX3 Race 2 results: 1. Kevin Wouts (BEL, Kawasaki), 35:19.190; 2. Matthias Walkner (GER, KTM), 35:23.050; 3. Kim Lindstrom (SWE, Kawasaki), 35:51.909; 4. Lukasz Lonka (POL, Honda), 35:53.486; 5. Yentel Martens (BEL, Kawasaki), 36.10.441; 6. Jamie Law (GBR, KTM) 36:42.341; 7. Rasmus Sjoberg (SWE, Honda), 36:43.152; 8. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 36:45.048; 9. Michael Hool (NED, TM), 36:50.373; 10. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, Kawasaki), 36.57.727 MX3 Overall: 1. Kevin Wouts (BEL, Kawasaki), 47 pts; 2. Yentel Martens (BEL, Kawasaki), 41 pts; 3. Matthias Walkner (GER, KTM), 37 pts; 4. Lukasz Lonka (POL, Honda), 34 pts; 5. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 31 pts; 6. Kim Lindstrom (SWE, Kawasaki), 30 pts; 7. Jamie Law (GBR, KTM), 27; 8. Marvin Van Daele (BEL, Kawasaki) 24 pts; 9. Gunter Schmidinger (AUT, Honda), 24 pts ; 10. Michael Hool (NED, TM), 23 pts

Valkenswaard awaits season kick-off

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:18:00 +0200

Everything is ready for the FIM Motocross World Championship comeback this Easter weekend in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. The Dutch track will not only host the first Grand Prix out of sixteen of the MX1 and MX2 classes, but also the first round of the FIM MX3 World Championship and the first round of the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship.

MX1 defending Champion Antonio Cairoli is fully fit to dispute the first GP of the season and start the year with the red plate on his KTM. But there is a long list of MX1 Title contender that will not leave things easy for the Italian. Steven Frossard, Clement Desalle, Evgeny Bobryshev, Christophe Pourcel, David Philippaerts or even the rookie Gautier Paulin are some of the names among the bets.

In the MX2 class, instead, there is a clear favourite, Jeffrey Herlings, as last year he was the only one to be able to stop Roczen's hegemony. However, everything can happen this season and it could be the year of British Tommy Searle, American Zach Osborne or the young Swiss talent Arnaud Tonus.

MX1
In his third year on his revolutionary KTM 350cc, Antonio Cairoli faces this 2012 season with the same motivation as always, regain the MX1 Title. Last year the Italian did not have a good beginning, but after a great pre-season campaign, Cairoli feels really confident to start the Championship with a victory. Besides, the five times World Champion has 4 GP wins in Valkenswaard under his belt, which proves how much comfortable he feels on the sandy and demanding track of Valkenswaard.

Monster Energy Yamaha's Frossard enters his second year in the MX1 class as one of the strongest rivals for the multiple champion Cairoli. The French was the big surprise in 2011 after being the runner up of the championship in his first year in the MX1 class, but the French will start the new season with the same goal as last year, which was to have fun on his Yamaha and try to be as much consistent as possible to be at the top at the end of the season.

For Clement Desalle the 2011 campaign finished sooner than expected due to several injuries on his shoulders and ended third in the MX1 standings. But the Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 rider is more motivated than ever to stop the Italian Champion to win another MX1 Title. Valkenswaard is not one of Desalle's favourite tracks, but he will give his best to get the red plate on his Suzuki machine after this first GP as he did last year in Bulgaria. This year the Belgian rider counts with one of the most experienced riders in his team, the Estonian Tanel Leok, who has adapted himself really fast on the new Suzuki and he is determined to improve his 2011 12th position in the Championship.

Another revelation in 2011 was Russian Evgeny Bobryshev, who claimed his maiden GP in Germany, he was six times on the podium and he finished fourth in the point standings. Having full support from Honda Japan, Honda World Motocross' Bobryshev and his teammate Rui Gonçalves are determined to be among the top five MX1 riders.

2008 FIM MX1 World Champion David Philippaerts will make his comeback in the FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend after his long absence due to a serious injury on both wrists, which made him b away from the tracks for several months. Philippaerts is fully fit again and is looking forward to be back at the track measuring his talent with the best motocross riders in the world.

Christophe Pourcel, who took part in some GP last year, will race for the Title this 2012 season together with his brother Sebastien Pourcel in the CP377 Monster Energy Kawasaki Pro Circuit team.

The Kawasaki Racing Team will count one more year with the French rider Xavier Boog and for this 2012 season they have a very strong incorporation to the team who can even bring the MX1 title to the green squad, the French rider Gautier Paulin. During the last two years he has been showing his great potential in the MX2 class, but when he was really shining was on the MX1 bike obtaining his maiden MX1 GP win at his first try last year in Fermo, Italy, and performing really well in the MXoN on the 450cc bike. Undoubtedly, his name is among the MX1 Title contenders this 2012 season.

Spanish Jonathan Barragán has joined the LS Honda Racing Team and Ken De Dycker, who was originally his teammate, will race the first five Grand Prix of the season in the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team replacing Max Nagl, who is still recovering from his back injury. At the same time, Shaun Simpson has moved to the Monster Energy Yamaha squad and Davide Guarneri will wear the colours of the KTM Silver Action team.

2011 MX1 Podium in Valkenswaard
1. Antonio Cairoli
2. Max Nagl
3. David Philippaerts
2011 MX1 POLEMAN: Max Nagl

MX2
Red Bull KTM Factory's Jeffrey Herlings enters the 2012 season as the clear favourite to claim the MX2 Title. In fact, the season could not start better for the young Dutch rider, as this new campaign begins at his home track of Valkenswaard and he will be able to race in front of his crowd and place the red plate on his KTM already after the first GP. His teammate Jeremy Van Horebeek did not have a very fortunate season last year due to several injuries, but the Belgian is very motivated to do well this season and so is his new teammate Jordi Tixier.

Another strong contender for the MX2 Title will be the Brit Tommy Searle, who finished in a solid third position last year in his comeback to the FIM MX2 World Championship. Searle, who will ride for team Floride Monster Energy Kawasaki Pro Circuit, only missed the podium in four occasions and he obtained two GP wins, results that prove his potential to be fighting for the MX2 Title this season. Belgian Joel Roelants will join the British rider in the Kawasaki team.

Max Ansite has joined the new Honda Gariboldi ESTA team and he will try to improve his 2011 sixth position in the point standings. His teammate will be the young Russian Aleksandr Tonkov.

The Monster Energy Yamaha structure counts with three of the strongest riders in the MX2 class, Arnaud Tonus, Zach Osborne and Christophe Charlier, but all of them got injured right before the start of the season and they are all likely to miss the first GP of the year.

On the other hand, the Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe team has been completely renovated and for this 2012 season Finnish Harri Kullas and Bulgarian Petar Petrov will wear the Suzuki colours and will race to be among the top ten riders in the MX2 class.

Italian Alessandro Lupino will ride his second year in a row for the Husqvarna Ricci Racing Team and he is very motivated to do well this 2012 specially after having had such a successful preseason. This year his teammate will be Belgian Nick Triest, but he will not take part in the first GP because he is recuperating from a crash he suffered some days ago.

Another team full of potential and young talents in the MX2 paddock is the Nestaan JM Racing KTM, with Glenn Coldenhoff, who will make his debut in the team on his home soil, Pascal Rauchenecker and Jake Nicholls.

UEM EMX-125 Champion Simone Zecchina and the UEM EXM-2 Champion Romain Fevre will make their debut in the MX2 class this weekend in Valkenswaard after having achived the European Titles last year.

2011 MX2 Podium in Valkenswaard
1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Ken Roczen
3. Tommy Searle
2011 MX2 POLEMAN: Jeffrey Herlings

TIMETABLE
Sunday: WMX Free Practice 7:30; MX3 Free Practice 1 Group A 8:10; MX3 Free Practice 1 Group B 8:40; MX2 Free Practice 9:30; MX1 Free Practice 10:15; WMX Pre-Qualifying Practice 11:00; MX3 Free Practice 2 Group A 12:15; MX3 Free Practice 2 Group B 12:45; MX2 Pre-Qualifying Practice 13:15; MX1-Pre Qualifying Practice 14:00; WMX Qualifying Race 15:30; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:10; MX1 Qualifying Race 17:00; MX3 Qualifying Practice Group A 17:40; MX3 Qualifying Practice Group B 18:10; WMX Race 1 18:50.

Monday: MX3 Start Test Session Group 1 7:45; MX3 Start Test Session Group 2 7:55; MX3 Warm up 8:00; WMX Warm up 8:30; MX2 Warm up 9:00; MX1 Warm up 9:30; WMX Race 2 10:10; MX3 Race 1 11:10; MX2 Grand Prix Race 1 12:10; MX1 Grand Prix Race 1 13:10; MX2 Grand Prix Race 2 15:03; MX1 Grand Prix race 2 16:03; MX3 Race 2 18:00.

Bill crowned in France

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:03:00 +0200

Austrian Micheal Staufer took the first holeshot in heat one, in front of Milko Potisek and Julien Bill in second and third position. Potisek taking the lead swiftly for two laps, but making a mistake put him down to fourth position. The Swiss then grabbed the first place and going on through to take the first win of the day. With a 34 point lead from his opponent Potisek, Bill just had to finish in 4th place or higher to become the 2011 FIM MX3 World Champion. Potisek came back to second position making the best lap time in the race of 1:46:637 almost a second faster than Bill's best lap. In third position was Orion RS Petrol Racing teams Martin Michek the number 232 on his KTM machine. Fourth and fifth place were Antti Pyrhonen and Michael Staufer. The last race of the day and also in the FIM World Championship, Bill took the last holeshot in front of the 21 year old Potisek who crashed on the start and not finishing the first lap nor the race, not a good way to end the season from the vice-champion. Martin Michek took the second place in moto two and also the second step on the podium. The Finn Antti Pyrhonen had to battle the second Swiss in the top five Gregory Wicht. Gregory stayed in front of Pyrhonen until the final laps of the race. Antti having a lot more experience than Gregory in the MX3 World Championship took the third spot and third overall to complete the podium here at Lacapelle Marival. Julien Bill: " I was very happy with all of my season, I cannot say any more I am just very emotional to be the first World Champion from Switzerland. Also a big thanks to my father who is supporting all of the season and also to my family and sponsors." Martin Michek: - "I want to say thanks to everybody and to all of my sponsors on my race shirt. My weekend was really good for me, but I didn't have any good starts. It wasn't so perfect. It was coming good though. In the first moto I was third and in the second moto I was second." Antti Pyrhonen: "I am not disappointed because Julien was the best, the podium for me was like a win so I am happy about that. In the first moto I had a better start and in the second moto my start was very good but I saw Potisek crash, the corner turned left and I was going straight ahead. I was able to work that, I was like 15th in the first lap. My goal was to make podium so I pushed hard the whole race." Milko Potisek: " My weekend for me was good, I didn't have so much pressure because Michek was far behind me in points and Bill was far in front. I battled with Julien the whole year for the title but at the end of the day he took it, he made less mistakes. My dream is MX1 so normally next year I go there with a team to make all of the championship." RESULTS MX3 Race 1: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 34:25.282; ; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:03.302; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:28.443; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:30.978; 5. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:56.691; 6. Morgan Jacquelin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:59.942; 7. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:02.190; 8. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), +1:10.452; 9. Brice Bonnemoy (FRA, Yamaha), +1:13.539; 10. Yann Charron (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:33.278; MX3 Race 2: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 35:27.429; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:04.828; 3. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:34.728; 4. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), +0:38.050; 5. Brice Bonnemoy (FRA, Yamaha), +0:41.187; 6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:51.590; 7. Morgan Jacquelin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:55.827; 8. Alain Schäfer (SUI, Honda), +0:56.936; 9. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:02.972; 10. Charley Ribet (FRA, Yamaha), +1:14.198; MX3 Overall 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 50 points; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 42 p.; 3. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 38 p.; 4. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), 31 p.; 5. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 31 p.; 6. Morgan Jacquelin (FRA, Kawasaki), 29 p.; 7. Brice Bonnemoy (FRA, Yamaha), 28 p.; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 26 p.; 9. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 22 p.; 10. Alain Schäfer (SUI, Honda), 21 p. MX3 Championship final classification: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 359 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 297 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 287 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 255 p.; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 202 p.; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 183 p.; 7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 177 p.; 8. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 122 p.; 9. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 106 p.; 10. Marko Kovalainen (FIN, Yamaha), 82 p.

Bill tops Potisek in practice

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:44:00 +0200

It's the final qualifying race of the season here at Lacapelle Marival in France. Raining this morning here on this 1600 metre track , it left the technical circuit moist and muddy for the morning practices. The track dryed out fast leaving it dusty for this afternoons races. The first and the last qualifying hole shot of the year went to the number two rider Julien Bill on his Swiss Honda. Bill left the pack of thirty riders standing as he took a dominant lead from the UFO Racing team rider Milko Potisek and the Dutch Ceriel Klien Kromhof. Mean while it was the Czech rider Martin Michek and the flying Finn Antti Pyrhonen battling it out for the 4th place qualifying position. Potisek closed the door on the Swiss near to the finish of this twenty minute plus two lap race. But making a mistake on the last lap left him 13 seconds behind at the end. Ceriel Klien Kromof crashed alone whilst he was in a stress free race from third he completed the race in 28th position. The second French rider in the top five was Jacquelin Morgan on his Kawasaki machine finishing just a few seconds from the fourth place of Pyrhonen. Julien Bill leading the championship by 34 points it will be a grueling first race to who will be the 2011 FIM MX3 World champion. We will see tomorrow if Julien Bill can keep his pace and his concentration to take the first win of the day and his world title. Dixit Julien Bill "Yeah the qualifying race for me was good. I finally got my first holeshot of the season so I am happy with that. I just rode decent, pretty tight. Milko was more fast at the end. For sure its going to be a hard race tomorrow. So we will see how it goes." Jacquelin Morgan "I didn´t start too bad, I think I was in the top ten. I tried my best to be more in front and I ended up in 6th place and then at the end a rider crashed so I finished fifth, so I can not wait for tomorrow." Martin Michek "The qualifying today for me was ok, I had a bad start. So I moved my way up to the front of the pack to finish the qualifying in third. So tomorrow I look for a better start and to get a good position." Milko Potisek " I was second behind Bill on the start and in the first ten minutes I found it hard to get a rhythm. I tried my best through out the whole race and to find a good solution for lines etc for tomorrow. I came back on bill 5 minutes to go. But I made a mistake and settled for second position." RESULTS MX3 - Qualifying Race: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 23:51.952; ; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:12.234; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:30.228; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +1:12.143; 5. Morgan Jacquelin (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:17.527; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:21.912; 7. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), +1:32.018; 8. Brice Bonnemoy (FRA, Yamaha), +1:33.914; 9. Romain Jacquiot (SUI, Yamaha), +1:36.614; 10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +1:38.977;

The last step for Gold plate

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:08:00 +0200

Lacapelle Marival will host the second time FIM MX3 World Championship and first time WMX World Championship. Is the last round to go this weekend . It's the eighth event of the FIM MX3 World Championship and seventh event of the FIM WMX World Championship on Moto Club de Lacapelle Marival "Circuite International Georges Filhol Terrain de Bel Air " 1600 meters long track.

MX3

Regarding to the two World Championships in both MX3 and WMX classes there will be a realy good weekend. Julien Bill from the Pellicari's team Honda is the holder of the MX3 red plate in last five events. But nothing is decided yet. French Milko Potisek from the Ufo Racing team is his biggest competitor at the moment. He is 34 points behind. Milko Potisek will be of course very strong as this will be also his home event, but Swiss Julien Bill will do all the best to battle the MX3 Title .The solid Czech rider Martin Michek with main force will be looking to finish for the best position in the MX3 World Championship.

WMX

In the FIM WMX World Championship KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier is again very confident for this weekend after great winning race in Slovenia –Orehova Vas . Can that 25-year-old German rider clinch the victory and must wait until the last round of this series to conquer the Title? Italian Chiara Fontanesi will do the best and have great battle with Steffi, but sure in mean time to enjoy the racing weekend. KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier in third position of the FIM WMX World Championship and will most certainly want to change things around .Same goes to Britt van der Wekken who has been improving her speed since the series started over last months.

About Lacapelle Marival (Lot) :One of the most beautiful villages in France

Half way between the rivers of the Lot and the Dordogne, Lacapelle Marival is nestled in a landscape of hills at the western edge of the Massif Central. The grand chateau Cardaillac occupies a dominant place in the village and was the foundation of the community here. Built by the feudal family of Cardaillac in the 13th Century, effectively the local rulers at this time, it was the central point around which the village developed.

Thanks to its geographical situation, Lacapelle Marival, forms a lively centre for trade, artisans and village fairs. Today, the castle frequently opens its rooms for exhibitions and arranges organized tours during the summer season. The architecture of the building and of the old houses in the village, give a strong feeling of history to the commune.

Bill defends red plate

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:07:00 +0200

With the crowd attendance of 10 000, Pellicari team rider Julien Bill had no stress taking the two race wins in front of his arch rival Milko Potisek. Austrian rider Michael Staufer made his maiden holeshot here in Orehova Vas, the KTM rider eventually letting the duo of Bill and Potisek passed by the end of the fourth lap. The Swiss rider was now in the lead trying to make a gap from Potisek, but the UFO Racing Team wasn't allowing it. Milko did everything he could to stay up front with Bill but having mechanical problems on the last three laps let the Pellicari rider have a 39 second lead from the number 5 machine. Finishing only a blink of an eye behind Potisek was the Finnish rider Antti Pyrhonen, who came from a poor start up to third position . Antti made a move pass the Austrian Michael Staufer hence his holeshot, he completed the moto in 4th. The Slovenian Saso Kragelj qualifying in 8th position yesterday, proved he was there fighting on his home track by round of the top five. In the second race of the FIM MX3 World Championship, it was the French Milko Potisek who took the holeshot. The ex MX1 rider Julien Bill swiftly passed him before arriving at the finish line on the first lap and took the lead for the rest of the 35 minute moto. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek who started way back in the pack in the first race, but quickly made his way up into the top 10 actually finishing a meaningful 8th position. Michek showed why he was third in the championship standings finishing 3rd in the second moto, slightly missing out on the podium to Antti Pyrhohnen who arrived over the finish line in 7th by 1 point. The Austrian rider who took a great fourth place in race one, let the Czech rider Martin Zerava and the 'home boy' Kragelj into 4th and fifth position. Julien Bill "Yeah the weekend went well for me, I had an awesome start in the first moto and I was able to pass Mikki(Staufer) quite quick.I managed to have consistent laptimes and then in the second race I had again a good start behind Milko, in the downhill I had a really good line so I could pass him in the inside so that was a good move. I was really focused on my riding and by the end of the race I was consistent. I secured the overall so I am really happy and hopefully it goes well in France. I can't wait to be there." Milko Potisek " I had a fun weekend battling with Julien Bill. I focused on being consistent because that's the goal now. In the first half of the first race Julien made a little bit of the gap but towards the end I was only two seconds away. I wanted to make a pass. But suddenly my gearbox broke with Three laps to go. So I had to make to with second. Antti was close to pass me ! The second race I took a nice holeshot, but made a mistake going down a hill. By then Julien had passed me, I stayed behind him the whole race but I just couldn't find the right place to make a move without making a mistake. In three weeks is my home race, I will be training hard before to take my home win!" Antti Pyrhonen "It was a very good weekend for me, it was a good track. I won the second moto here in 2009 and this is one of my favourite tracks. I had a very nice weekend and today I made a podium and I am very happy about that. It was a tough race , it did not go like I planned, but I made the podium, so I am happy." MX3 Race 1 top ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 33:56.248; ; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:39.118; 3. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:41.683; 4. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:49.737; 5. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +1:04.135; 6. Nenad Sipek (CRO, Yamaha), +1:11.640; 7. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +1:14.283; 8. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +1:14.914; 9. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:28.582; 10. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), +1:36.468; MX3 Race 2: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 34:27.982; ; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:04.690; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:27.614; 4. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +1:01.330; 5. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +1:05.065; 6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +1:06.221; 7. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +1:06.254; 8. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +1:24.601; 9. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:32.390; 10. Oswald Reisinger (AUT, Suzuki), +1:34.224; MX3 Overall top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 50 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 44 p.; 3. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 34 p.; 4. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 33 p.; 5. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 33 p.; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 32 p.; 7. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 32 p.; 8. Nenad Sipek (CRO, Yamaha), 25 p.; 9. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 24 p.; 10. Ceriel Klein Kromhof (NED, Honda), 17 p.; MX3 Championship top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 309 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 275 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 245 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 217 p.; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 202 p.; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 157 p.; 7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 146 p.; 8. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 106 p.; 9. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 103 p.; 10. Nikolay Kumanov (BUL, Yamaha), 67 p.;

Speedy Swiss scores 5th pole

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 11:00:00 +0200

The seventh round of the FIM MX3 world championship is being held on the loamy sand circuit of Orehova Vas in Slovenia. Just like in Ukraine last weekend, it was again sunny climate conditions. On this 1554m track it was Pellicari's team rider Julien Bill who grabbed the pole position in front of the French Milko Potisek for tomorrow's races. Potisek previously began the day ahead of the red plate holder Julien Bill in the first free-practice sessions. But the number five machine immediately moved over for Bill in qualifying; who actually was the only rider to drop into 1:42.753; half a second faster than anybody else on this Slovenian circuit. The UFO Racing rider had to give all his energy to be in 2nd position, having another three riders being in the same lap time was difficult, but he proved second place in qualifying was his spot. Only 0.055 seconds behind the Honda rider was R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek taking 3rd position on to the gate tomorrow. Motocross has a long tradition here and is important for the municipality. Having a large crowd attending already today; home rider Saso Kragelj is prepared for battle. Qualifying in 8th position with a lap time of 1:44:465. Julien Bill "Yeah the time practice was ok, I got pole so that's good but I am not so happy with my riding. I think I need to improve some stuff on my bike for tomorrow. So we will see how it goes. Other than that the track is nice and I hope to get a good start tomorrow to win the race, we will see what happens." Milko Potisek "I had good laptimes in the first and second session. But I just could not beat Julien's time. My goal is too win tomorrow and I will try my best to be on the first step of the podium." Marco Maddi "I finished in 6th position and I am quite happy. In the first free practice the track was flat, now for me it is much better. There are plenty of good gates to start from tomorrow and I hope to make a top 6." Antti Pyrohnen "The track here in Slovenia is nice, I like it. But it's a technical track it suits me better, I finished second behind Potisek in our class. I am very satisfied because at the beginning of the timing I couldn't get a good rhythm but then I changed my lines, so I am happy." Michael Staufer "The qualifying was hard, the track is a little bit rougher now. It's difficult to find lines, I am in 4th place and I pushed really hard maybe a little bit too hard. On this track you have to go really smooth, it's easy to make mistakes and Julien Bill in 1.6 seconds faster than me. It is alot for a track like this I think. " RESULTS
MX3 Qualifying Group B top ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 1:43.221; 2. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:00.623; 3. Marco Schogler (AUT, KTM), +0:01.946; 4. Ceriel Klein Kromhof (NED, Honda), +0:02.663; 5. Peter Reitbauer (AUT, KTM), +0:02.901; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +0:03.184; 7. Pierrick Roncin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:03.479; 8. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +0:04.109; 9. Jan Brabec (CZE, Kawasaki), +0:04.212; 10. Dimitry Camus (FRA, Yamaha), +0:04.350 MX3 Qualifying Group A top ten: 1.Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 1:42.753; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:00.523; 3. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:01.027; 4. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:01.687; 5. Nenad Sipek (CRO, Yamaha), +0:01.701; 6. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +0:01.712; 7. Oswald Reisinger (AUT, Suzuki), +0:02.590; 8. Marko Leljak (CRO, KTM), +0:03.127; 9. Alessandro Valente (ITA, Suzuki), +0:03.792; 10. Gregory Wicht (SUI, Honda), +0:04.016

MX3 Battle continues

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:14:00 +0200

It was a very hot weekend in Chernivtsy. Riders did not have an easy work to do. Track was exciting and riders could show all their abilities.

A crowd of Ukrainian spectators made a great atmosphere and it was the real spectacular day for them.
Bill Julien took 47 points in Chernivtsy. Being focused and wanting to take revenge. This time he had no problems and showed us some great speed. Swiss rider is now 28 points in front of Milko Potisek. Martin Zerava Motoman from Czech Republic finished third overall and made his first podium this season on the MX3 World Championship. Michek Martin finished fourth missed the podium for only two points for the mechanical problems.

1st – Julien Bill (Swiss): "I am so content with the weekend! Yesterday the pole position was mine and I knew I can do top result today. In second race I took first holeshot this season. We had a great fight with Milko Potisek ."
2nd – Potisek Milko (France): "It was for me good race I keep my points for the World Championship. First heat I took a good start. That was a way to win. I enjoy much seeing the great public atmosphere. I'm ready for next week in Slovenia.
3rd – Martin Zerava ( Chech Republik ): "Today was great day for me, I finished on podium finally. That is very good for me. Track was well prepared. Race was difficult because of the really hot weather. Hope to have podium next week again.

Bill boosts his lead in Senkvice

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:57:00 +0200

Pellicari team rider Julien Bill won the fifth round of the FIM MX3 World Championship in Senkvice, Slovakia, thanks to a decisive win on the second moto of the day and finishing second on the first heat after an exciting battle with 'arch-rival' French UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek.

The Swiss rider started the day by being the fastest on the morning warm-up, confirming why he won the qualifying practice the day before. This time around Bill had quite a few opponents determined to jeopardise his plan; Milko Potisek being the main one but also an ultra-fast eastern duo; R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek and local rider, Slovakian star Martin Kohut on a KTM.

It was actually the crowd's favourite who opened the afternoon's MX3 festivities with the holeshot, leading the first heat until Milko allowed him, as the French was totally determined to win this one, and so he did. Bill tried all he could but the pace was just too high and any mistake could cost any of the riders dearly. They went on the 'fight of the day' for the entire moto keeping the crowd at their knees with such hi-speed battle.

However, Potisek wasn't lucky at the second moto as he crashed on lap five having to recover positions from 26th to eighth, finishing the day in fourth so the main opposition to Bill passed on to Michek who finished second overall after holeshoting the second moto although not able to resist Bill's attack on the third lap.

Even though the MX3 regulars went on their usual fights, one rider was undeniably the main attraction on the weekend's racing; Martin Kohut just did what the crowd was asking and positioned himself on the podium in third overall causing the biggest cheer of the day amongst the Slovakian fans.

In a hardly earned fifth place came Antii Pyrhonen who was able to keep up with the pace even after a bad start on the first moto and getting into some exciting battles with KTM's Fusion-racing Michael Staufer, who was fast all weekend, and Motoman team's Martin Zerava who finished with the same points as the Finn in sixth; the Czech rider is never out of the equation when he's on a fast track.

The MX3 riders have now a two-week break before heading off to their sixth round in Chernivtsy, Ukraine.

Julien Bill: "I had a bad start on the first moto and I struggled to find a line to pass Milko and I was also riding without rear brakes so that was even harder but that's not an excuse; he was riding well. I really wanted to win and get the overall even without my bike running 100%. I think that this track was too fast and it was easy to make mistakes. I'm happy for my win and extending the lead in the championship."

Martin Michek: "I had a good start and I was looking to have a good feeling on the bike so I pushed a lot to go with Milko and Bill; the first riders were on the same second and on a very fast rhythm. I was concentrating on doing that triple jump and I actually hurt my back while doing it. I still want to climb another step on the podium and I definitely don't want to go down! I want to congratulate Kohut for his first podium on the MX3 Championship."

Martin Kohut: "For me today was a very happy day after one year break with injury. I made a very good start and it was all good. This is the only MX3 race I am doing as I want to concentrate on the Czech and German championships."

MX3 Race 1 top-ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 34:07.504; 2. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:01.028; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:13.814; 4. Martin Kohut (SVK, KTM), +0:42.856; 5. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +0:49.477; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:55.600; 7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +1:01.709; 8. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +1:05.941; 9. Petr Bartos (CZE, KTM), +1:08.362; 10. Mykola Pashchynskyi (UKR, KTM), +1:13.502;

MX3 Race 2 top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 34:32.798; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:05.252; 3. Martin Kohut (SVK, KTM), +0:16.544; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:27.726; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:32.934; 6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:37.783; 7. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +0:40.701; 8. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:44.596; 9. Petr Bartos (CZE, KTM), +0:53.823; 10. Mykola Pashchynskyi (UKR, KTM), +0:58.710;

MX3 Overall top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 47 points; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 42 p.; 3. Martin Kohut (SVK, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 38 p.; 5. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 31 p.; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 31 p.; 7. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 30 p.; 8. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 29 p.; 9. Petr Bartos (CZE, KTM), 24 p.; 10. Mykola Pashchynskyi (UKR, KTM), 22 p.;

MX3 Championship top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 212 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 184 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 176 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 151 p.; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 132 p.; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 108 p.; 7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 83 p.; 8. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 74 p.; 9. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 63 p.; 10. Marko Kovalainen (FIN, Yamaha), 59 p.

MX3 and WMX head East

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:39:00 +0200

The FIM MX3 and WMX Motocross World Championships are back East and this time in Senkvice, Slovakia as the warm weather keeps following both championship's tour, now on their fifth rounds on the 25th June weekend.

With the 2011 season coming to its half, all results are now starting to be seen in a more tactical way by the MX3 and WMX riders as they face the fast hard-pack Senkvice track this weekend.

MX3

Pellicari's team rider Julien Bill comes to Senkvice with a 19 point lead on the Championship over French UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek the only rider to get an overall win this year apart from the all dominant Bill who has five moto wins to his name.

Potisek needs to improve his results quick as he's now losing ground to the Swiss series leader and the Senkvice round could might just do that for him as he was second on the podium last year.

Martin Michek is also threatening to claim victory in a short future as the R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider just upper his game and got closer to Potisek during the last weekend in Umbria being only 12 points behind the French.

Antii Pyrhonen is currently sitting in fourth in the Championship and he is surely motivated to get inside the top-three as his fitness after-injury improves. The 'cool' Finn is only 14 points behind Michek.

In Fifth is Motoman's team rider Martin Zerava who has been slowly getting on the pace while guarantying good results and is ahead of Italian Marco Maddii by only one point.

2010 MX3 PODIUM:

1. Carlos Campano
2. Milko Potisek
3. Alex Salvini

WMX

Chiara Fontanesi's assault on the WMX Championship lead has yet to wait as she wasn't able to capitalise at her home event last weekend in Castiglione de Lago even being the fastest on Saturday and winning one of Sundays' motos.

Current number one is still KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier who has won everything this year but the round in Finland where Fontanesi rehearsed her offensive in Italy a week later.

KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier lost a bit of ground on the Championship points with Chiara's wins and is currently third with minus fifteen for the Italian.

The fight for the following positions has also been exciting and is now coming to its peak with a 'Dutch-Battle' between ADS-MXN Putoline team rider Mariëlle de Mol and Britt van der Wekken for the fourth position on the championship standings with only two points separating them.

Not too far from these two, with only ten points difference are Francesca Nocera and Regenta Racing rider Sara Pettersson with the exact same 95 points each.

Closing the top-ten are Anne Borchers, Virginie Germond and Shirley Verkade who thanks to their good latest performances are on the pace to climb on the standings.

Bill burns it up in Castiglione del Lago

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:54:00 +0200

Swiss rider Julien Bill imposed his Pellicari's Honda against a 39-rider' field at the start of the FIM MX3 World Championship's round four, on a very hot and fast Castiglione del Lago track in Umbria, Italy.

Bill reaffirmed his determination by winning the two outings of the day although coming from a start in third on both, offering the crowd some great fights with Martin Michek and Milko Potisek, the only two who seemed able to follow the Swiss this time.

Michek finished second overall after passing Potisek in both motos and gaining with those moves precious points in the championship allowing him to get closer to the French rider for second spot.

Potisek did everything he could to stay up front after getting the holeshot in both motos but couldn't hold his adversaries' strong attack, only managing to get third place on the podium which gave Bill a 19-point advantage for the title run.

Following the top-three was Antii Pyrhonen with a 5-4 result and having an exciting battle with Austrian Michael Staufer for the first part of moto two.

In fifth came Motoman's Martin Zerava thanks to two consistent rides in seventh and sixth.

The "crown" for best Italian rider went to Marco Maddii, the MX3 World Championship regular, although having some opposition from Daniele Bricca who was fourth on the first moto.

Julien Bill: "I think the track was really slippery and we didn't have many lines to pass, it was pretty hard but in end I think it wasn't as technical as in Finland, still, I got the win and I'm really happy with that. I really need to do something about my starts because I'm having bad starts every time and that's a problem for me as I always have to push hard to come back quick into the front. Want to thank my mechanic for my bike which was awesome."

Martin Michek: "Julien was strong today, I just did my best and tried to go with him but he was on the gas and I had to remain second. I had a lot of trouble passing some back markers as I couldn't see their rear wheel. I feel like in my second home here as my team is Italian and also many sponsors. I hope to get a victory this year and I'll work hard to get it."

Milko Potisek: "After getting the holeshot on moto one, two laps later the rear brake wasn't working and at the end was the clutch which just made things even more difficult for me. I got the holeshot again on the second race and was riding really good for about ten minutes but after Julien passed me I crashed and it was impossible to come back. I know what I need to improve and I want to come back better in Slovakia which is a track I like."

MX3 Race 1 top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 34:44.733; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:11.921; 3. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:32.920; 4. Daniele Bricca (ITA, Honda), +0:46.855; 5. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:55.039; 6. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +1:00.578; 7. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +1:04.645; 8. Christophe Martin (FRA, Honda), +1:35.408; 9. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +1:38.543; 10. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:43.919;

MX3 Race 2 top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 35:08.712; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:09.130; 3. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:40.608; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:58.251; 5. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +1:09.032; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +1:12.055; 7. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:15.535; 8. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +1:29.388; 9. A. Pagliacci (ITA, Honda), +1:34.563; 10. Josef Kulhavy (CZE, TM), +1:52.309;

MX3 Overall top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 50 points; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 40 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 34 p.; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 29 p.; 6. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), 28 p.; 7. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 25 p.; 9. A. Pagliacci (ITA, Honda), 19 p.; 10. Josef Kulhavy (CZE, TM), 19 p.

MX3 Championship top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 165 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 146 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 134 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 120 p.; 5. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 101 p.; 6. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 100 p.; 7. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), 54 p.; 8. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), 54 p.; 9. Riku Rouhiainen (FIN, Yamaha), 50 p.; 10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 49 p.

Julien Bill ahead in Castiglione del Lago

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:55:00 +0200

Pellicari's Swiss team rider Julien Bill got the pole position for tomorrow's MX3 round of Umbria, at the spectacular Castiglione del Lago track in Italy. With maximum temperatures of 28°C matching the ones the FIM MX3 World Championship had only a week before in Finland, some 'warm' fights are expected tomorrow.

After being over a second faster in this morning's free and pre-qualifying practice sessions than R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek, the current championship leader went on the race confident enough for a good result.

Bill got the holeshot and immediately put up enough margin between him and UFO-Racing team's Milko Potisek who did a more strategic race following the Swiss rider as Milko can't allow himself to lose any more ground in the championship standings.

Third place on the grid went to an FIM MX3 World Championship's past contender, French Honda rider Christophe Martin after an interesting fight with Martin Michek who ended up fourth after being the second fastest in the morning practice sessions.

Austrian Michael Staufer on a KTM got fifth in front of Slovenian rider Saso Kragelj who was seventh for the most part of the race but getting sixth in the end after swapping positions with Antii Pyrhonen, who, along with Motoman's Martin Zerava, can surely show their consistency in tomorrow's tough races.

Best Italian riders were Daniele Bricca and Alessandro Valente in ninth and tenth positions respectively after one of the main favourites and current fifth in the MX3 World Championship standings crashed while on the pre-qualifying practice still ending up 24th for tomorrow's grid.

Julien Bill : "It's really hot today and I just want to keep the energy for tomorrow. I got the holeshot today which was nice as I think I didn't have a single one since the season started. The track can be very slippery as it's very hard underneath and if we go off the line it is muddy or really hard so it's difficult to pass. I'm happy with my race today and I can push further for tomorrow if I need."

Milko Potisek : "The two practice sessions were difficult as I couldn't find the best lines so I was a bit stiff on the bike and didn't play much. As there was no point battling with Julien today I just followed him during the race and checked on his lines. I'm going to have a good rest today to be in my best shape for tomorrow."

Christophe Martin : "There's a good level here with Bill and Potisek leading the Championship. It's the only MX3 round I'm doing and I'm going for the win tomorrow. I'm doing the Supercross series on an Italian team so it's close for me. I've been on this track before; I was here I think in 2002 for the GP and although it was different at the time I still like it."

MX3 Qualifying Race top-ten : 1. Julien Bill (SWI, Honda), 24:08.452; ; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:10.781; 3. Christophe Martin (FRA, Honda), +0:12.321; 4. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:13.629; 5. Michael Staufer (AUT, KTM), +0:30.905; 6. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +0:38.344; 7. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:43.521; 8. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:46.288; 9. Daniele Bricca (ITA, Honda), +0:59.345; 10. Alessandro Valente (ITA, Suzuki), +1:16.294

MX3/ WMX at Castiglione del Lago –The return of a classic

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:52:00 +0200

The FIM MX3 and Women's Motocross World Championship continues this weekend 18th June in Castiglione del Lago, in the Umbria region of Italy, putting the Crossodromo Internazionale "Vinicio Rosadi" back on the International Motocross calendar.

The Moto Club Trasimeno "G. Capecchi" held several international events in the 1575 meters long 'Crossodromo' over the years, seeing renowned winners such as Eric Geboers in 1982, Jean-Michel Bayle in 1988 or, more recently, Ben Townley in 2005.

MX3

As a result of his 1-1 score in last weekend's round of Finland, Pellicari team's Swiss rider Julien Bill will be totally committed to do it again and keep hold of his recently conquered red plate as series leader. It is actually a return to this track for Bill as he finished second overall on the MX3 class behind Yves Demaria in 2005, the last international event held in the Umbrian track.

UFO-Racing team's Milko Potisek is still recovering from his Finnish 'shake' where he lost the lead on the championship after a tense weekend with too many mistakes. The French rider will certainly fight back together with R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek who has not yet materialised his good performances with a win as they've been shared only by Bill and Potisek.

The same goes with fourth in the championship, Antii Pyrhonen, who tried to go for a victory at his home round. The Finn is getting faster and improving his results on every round after being away with injury and will definitely have a word to say on the tough Italian track.

Marco Maddi , the Italian privateer from Montevarchi is currently sitting in fifth overall and will want to do well in front of his fans together with a fine group of Italian entries in addition to previous MX3 title contenders like Cristian Beggi or French rider Christophe Martin.

WMX

Chiara Fontanesi last weekend's overall win in Finland is surely boosting ticket sales for the Umbrian WMX round as the Italian will try to repeat the experience and take the Italian 'tifosi' to total exhilaration . Same goes to Francesca Nocera who has been improving her speed since the series started over two months ago in Sevlievo and currently sits fourth in the series.

Current red plate holder, KTM Red Bull Teka Factory Team rider Steffi Laier, will fight for the lead as the Finnish round only meant trouble for the German rider, feeling sick throughout the weekend.

KTM Sarholz rider Larissa Papenmeier saw her second place in the standings fade out with Chiara's win and will definitely take part on the equation for the final podium.

Actual fifth in the championship, ADS-MXN Putoline team rider Mariëlle de Mol showed up strong in Finland climbing in the championship standings until fifth and is eager to get on the top-three as well as Britt van der Wekken and Regenta Racing's Sara Pettersson.

Italian FIM Women's Motocross World Championship regulars Floriana Parrini and Erica Lago should also be up for a good result in front of their home crowd.

Julien Bill takes off in Vantaa

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:05:00 +0200

Swiss rider Julien Bill got the FIM MX3 World Championship's points lead back to his name after 'flying' his Honda for the win on both motos in the Vantaa-Speedway MX track in Finland. High temperatures made it once more a difficult test for the MX3 riders at the start grid of this unique Finnish Motocross track alongside the Helsinki airport. Pellicari team rider Julien Bill won the overall even crashing on the second moto he made his way from the back to get the lead from Tom Soderstrom who led almost two thirds of the race. The crowd's favourite Finn, Antti Pyrhonen finished second and was decided to put up a good show but struggled to keep up with the fast pace and heat on 'his' home track after being out of action for more than a year recovering from injury. Pole position rider, UFO-Racing team's Milko Potisek wasn't at his best in Vantaa and lost the red plate for Bill after going 4-3 on the day's motos. The French was somehow feeling some tension while leading the series and ended up doing several mistakes that cost him positions on the races and the lead of the championship. R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek finished fourth overall with a 3-4 result. The Czech rider led the first race after getting the holeshot but had to give it up for the faster Swiss winner. Marco Maddii was also on the pace in Finland and followed Michek in fifth after two good starts which helped the KTM mounted Italian rider to keep his fifth spot in the series. Russian rider Dimitry Parshin and Estonian Juss Laansoo crashed during Saturday practice and didn't take part in today's racing. The FIM MX3 World Championship continues next weekend 18th June in Castiglione del Lago, Italy, for its fourth round. Julien Bill: "It was definitely a good weekend for me; I already had good lap times on Saturday so I was confident for the race. I didn't use much energy on the first moto as I had an ok start and was able to pull away on the lead after passing Michek. I was really focused for the second moto but I crashed on the first corner after the start and then I crashed again. I spend the whole race pushing really hard, not even looking at the pit-board so I was surprised to still be able to catch the guys at the front for the win." Antii Pyrhonen: "It was a tough race. In 2009 I won both motos here and I had a perfect day but today these guys were going fast and it was physically very demanding. I am happy with my second position; it was difficult to beat them. I thought of fighting for the lead on the second moto but physically I wasn't able to do it. I need to get all the time more races under my belt after my injury as every race will improve my riding." Milko Potisek: "I confess I was a bit tense as it was the first time for me carrying the red-late and it was a hard weekend for me. I crashed at the start of the first moto and had to recover but it was better on the second one as I got the holeshot. I had a good fight with Soderstrom but I crashed again losing many positions. I'm a bit disappointed of course so I need to work my way to get the red plate back." MX3 Race 1 top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 34:51.000; ; 2. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:28.319; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:33.819; 4. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:47.933; 5. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +0:49.708; 6. Toni Eriksson (FIN, Kawasaki), +0:52.941; 7. Riku Rouhiainen (FIN, Yamaha), +0:54.798; 8. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:57.598; 9. Lauris Freibergs (LAT, Honda), +1:01.205; 10. Samuli Aro (FIN, KTM), +1:23.962; MX3 Race 2 top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 35:34.253; ; 2. Tom Söderström (SWE, Suzuki), +0:08.775; 3. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), +0:23.879; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:25.757; 5. Lauris Freibergs (LAT, Honda), +0:25.998; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:36.040; 7. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:40.589; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +0:53.013; 9. Riku Rouhiainen (FIN, Yamaha), +1:05.786; 10. Atte Jousi (FIN, Yamaha), +1:12.567; MX3 Overall top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 50 points; 2. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 40 p.; 3. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 38 p.; 4. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 34 p.; 5. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 29 p.; 6. Lauris Freibergs (LAT, Honda), 28 p.; 7. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 28 p.; 8. Riku Rouhiainen (FIN, Yamaha), 26 p.; 9. Tom Söderström (SWE, Suzuki), 22 p.; 10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 17 p. MX3 Championship top-ten: 1. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 115 points; 2. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 106 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 90 p.; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 86 p.; 5. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 75 p.; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 72 p.; 7. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), 54 p.; 8. Riku Rouhiainen (FIN, Yamaha), 43 p.; 9. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 40 p.; 10. Juss Laansoo (EST, KTM), 36 p.

High speed duet in Finland

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:18:00 +0200

French UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek got the win in today's qualifying race ahead of Pellicari's Swiss rider Julien Bill on what was a very hot day at the Vantaa-Speedway venue in Finland. For the entire qualifying race Potisek couldn't get away from Bill who just spent the whole moto studying where to pass the French rider. The two Honda mounted riders were on the same second for the whole 14 laps to maybe some displease of the Finnish crowd who expect to see wins from their local hero, Antti Pyrhonen. The Finn only managed to start in sixth position recovering afterwards until fourth place after being the second fastest on pre-qualifying. Third place went to Tom Söderström, the same position he got during time practice. The Swedish rider is definitely showing the experience acquired in the world stage and will be up for the podium tomorrow. KTM rider Marco Maddii was third at the start and had to hold one of the fastest Latvian riders, Lauris Freibergs, right behind him. Martin Michek finished in seventh position after a bad start in tenth. The R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider confessed in the end that the heat is not the best environment for Czech riders and Motoman's Martin Zerava might as well agree with him as he too ended up on the same ninth position he had at the start. The third fastest in time practice, Swedish rider Kim Lindstrom finished eight but after a bad start from twelfth position. Toni Eriksson was the second best Finn closing the top-ten, he who was second overall in last year's race. Another national rider at the start is former World Enduro champion Samuli Aro who came to practice his MX skills with the MX3 boys as he lives literally thirty minutes from the Vantaa track and has been competing on the MX1 Finnish championship. Milko Potisek
"The pre-qualifying was difficult for me and I ended up in eighth but then on the race I did the holeshot and led it until the finish. It was hard to find lines and Julien Bill was behind me all the time so I had to keep pushing. Whoever doesn't make mistakes tomorrow is going to win." Tom Söderström
"I was here in 2009 and was third. It's good to be here with the MX3, it's much friendlier than the MX1 although I think on going back next year. I hope to make top-three but a lot can happen, one never knows. They're fast but not unbeatable, will have to see tomorrow …" MX3 Qualifying Race : 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 25:10.375; ; 2. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:00.966; 3. Tom Söderström (SWE, Suzuki), +0:14.343; 4. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:26.248; 5. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +0:27.176; 6. Lauris Freibergs (LAT, Honda), +0:28.039; 7. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:35.076; 8. Kim Lindstrom (SWE, Yamaha), +0:59.830; 9. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +1:01.573; 10. Toni Eriksson (FIN, Kawasaki), +1:08.189.

MX3 and WMX are back to action in Vantaa

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:25:00 +0200

Following a required break from the first two opening rounds in April, both FIM MX3 and WMX Motocross Championships set off to Finland and land right beside the Helsinki airport on the Vantaa Motocross track where some of the 'purest' Finnish gravel can be found.

The riders are actually keeping warm but not due to usual cold; the land of the thousand lakes is offering this weekend's MX3 and WMX participants a really warm welcome in the form of clear skies with temperatures forecasted to almost reach the 30 degrees mark.

MX3

With a total of only three motos disputed after the cancellation due to a heavy rain fall on the second one in Megalopolis, Greece, the current leader of the 2011 FIM MX3 World Championship, UFO-Racing team rider Milko Potisek, has only a three points' advantage over his main rival Pellicari team's Julien Bill, so the strain between them will most certainly continue on the Finnish track this weekend.

After these two together with Dmitri Parshin been the main contenders to the lead on the first Greek round, a week later in Troyan, Bulgaria, the R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team rider Martin Michek got in the mix as well as Motoman's Martin Zerava and Antii Pyrhönen.

The famous #213 Finn is eager to give his crowd the win they've been waiting for after being totally dominant in both motos two years ago just before his leg injury which kept him away of the competition for the whole 2010 season.

Last year's third overall, Estonian Betoni-KTM rider Juss Laansoo and the current fifth in the championship, Marco Maddii will surely want a piece of the action too and will be fighting to get on the podium.

2010 MX3 PODIUM:
1. Carlos Campano
2. Toni Eriksson
3. Juss Laansoo

WMX

The FIM Women's Motocross World Championship is also on the go having its premiere in Vantaa. German KTM Red Bull Teka Factory team rider Steffi Laier leads the way on the series after winning the three motos ridden so far. Second overall is another German, KTM Sarholz team's Larissa Papenmeier who has constantly been on the pace together with Italian rider Chiara Fontanesi, who already established herself this year as the main 'intruder' on the German force.

Francesca Nocera is currently sitting in fourth on the championship and is after her maiden podium although with several others to keep her company; Britt van der Wekken, Marianne Veenstra, Sara Petterson and Marielle de Mol all follow the Italian after regularly scoring precious points so it's all wide open as only a single point separates them until the seventh spot on overall table.

German Suzuki rider Anne Borchers and Joanna Miller from Poland on a two-stroke KTM close the current top-ten although we haven't seen their best yet. Finnish Women's Motocross champion Sanna Kärkkäinen is finally having her debut on a WMX round and what a better way to make it than in front of her home crowd.

Milko Potisek tops it up in Troyan

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:29:00 +0200

Milko Potisek gets his first overall win of the 2011 FIM MX3 World Championship's season in Troyan confirming himself as one of this year's title contenders.

It wasn't easy though. The French UFO-Racing team rider had to work hard to win both motos as his rivals didn't make it easy, especially in the second outing. The biggest threat on Potisek's lead throughout the day was always the R.S.C. Italia Corse Orion RS Petrol team's rider Martin Michek, while Julien Bill had to make a bigger effort to keep up with the pace after two bad starts.

The Czech KTM rider started by leading the first moto with Antii Pyrhonen right behind but giving up the lead when Potisek found his way to pass him. Pellicari Team's Julien Bill was on his way to third place and still tried to catch Michek but ended up securing this position. Behind him was Pyrhonen who had to deal with Motoman's Martin Zerava and Saso Kragelj for the fourth place during a good part of the race and only when some backmarkers forced the Finn to slow down his rhythm they got their chance to overtake him.

On the second moto Antii got the holeshot but Potisek soon took the lead. The Finnish rider had to consequently hold his second spot from Parshin who was determined to repeat his feat in Megalopolis although the Finn wasn't making it easy even getting a taste of the lead when Potisek crashed. After Milko's crash came what was the most exciting moment of the race with Potisek, Parshin, Michek and Bill all riding very close and threatening Pyrhonen. After lapping some of the slowest riders Potisek got back the lead followed by Michek, Bill, Parshin and Pyrhonen in fifth.

Having two solid rides was Martin Zerava, the new Motoman's team rider was fourth overall thanks to his consistency. Dmitry Parshin had two hard fought motos, ending up seventh and fourth although it could all have been very different if it wasn't for the crashes the privateer Russian had this weekend spending all his motos recovering positions even though he ended up being fifth overall. Estonian AKR-Betoni KTM rider Juss Lansoo did 9-7 to seventh overall followed by Marco Maddii, Michalec and Kovalainen closing the top-ten.

Dixit:
Milko Potisek: "It was the perfect weekend for me although on the last ten minutes of the second moto it was hard. I knew that if I would crash I couldn't get the red plate and I actually went down. It was difficult to recover the lead but in the end it was very rewarding."

Martin Michek: "I felt a bit sick all weekend, struggling with fever so for me it was a hard race. It was pretty good my battle with Julien, the crowd was enjoying it a lot, I could see that. On this track everybody was fast so it was difficult to pass."

Julien Bill: "It was difficult to pass as I had two bad starts. The second moto was better for me as I came back strong in the end. The championship is long and I made some valuable points today."

MX3 Race 1 top-ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 33:38.892; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:04.553; 3. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:20.786; 4. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:43.230; 5. Saso Kragelj (SLO, Yamaha), +0:54.755; 6. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +1:05.632; 7. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), +1:10.227; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +1:14.905; 9. Juss Laansoo (EST, KTM), +1:16.114; 10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +1:18.033

MX3 Race 2 top-ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 34:07.915; ; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), +0:02.538; 3. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:05.000; 4. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), +0:14.095; 5. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), +0:23.043; 6. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), +0:30.795; 7. Juss Laansoo (EST, KTM), +0:45.429; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), +0:57.856; 9. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +1:08.343; 10. Marko Kovalainen (FIN, Yamaha), +1:13.879

MX3 Overall top-ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 50 points; 2. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 40 p.; 4. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 33 p.; 5. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), 32 p.; 6. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 31 p.; 7. Juss Laansoo (EST, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 26 p.; 9. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), 23 p.; 10. Marko Kovalainen (FIN, Yamaha), 20 p.

MX3 Championship top-ten: 1. Milko Potisek (FRA, Honda), 68 points; 2. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), 65 p.; 3. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 56 p.; 4. Dimitry Parshin (RUS, Honda), 54 p.; 5. Marco Maddii (ITA, KTM), 46 p.; 6. Antti Pyrhonen (FIN, Honda), 46 p.; 7. Martin Zerava (CZE, Honda), 44 p.; 8. Juss Laansoo (EST, KTM), 36 p.; 9. Nikolay Kumanov (BUL, Yamaha), 29 p.; 10. Lauri Lehtla (EST, KTM), 26 p.;