MX1 goes major league in the 2009 GP line-up!
By TMX Archives on 4th Dec 08
THE GP line-up for 2009 is almost complete, and the tendency towards a major league MX1 class with MX2 as a feeder class is undeniable. Ten factory teams, two from Britain, will contest the World MX1 championship, whilst Red Bull KTM is the only full factory team in MX2, although several riders in satellite teams can be accredited factory support status.
Clear definition is not easy, but KTM, CCM, Aprilia and TM can be classed as genuine factory teams, while the Japanese set their stall out with long-term partners who are each directly linked to their marques CAS and Martin for Honda, KRTE for Kawasaki, Teka Geboers for Suzuki and both Monster Rinaldi and Red Bull De Carli for Yamaha. The only rider outside these ranks whose contract is with the factory and who will receive full factory bikes is Jonathan Barragan of Silver Action KTM.
In MX2, KTM's second strings, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Joel Roelants will run through the Jacky Martens-led Red Bull KTM Junior Team, Kawasaki sets its faith in Gautier Paulin and Steven Frossard, Yamaha again place Nico Aubin and Davide Guarneri at Ricci, and Xavier Boog is Suzuki's main man at Inotec. TM is also expected to sign Matteo Bonini to campaign its new 250F.
In addition to these, Stephen Sword at KTM UK and Zach Osborne at Utag Yamaha will receive full factory material, as will Ken Roczen from Suzuki, but each is contracted to their respective teams rather than the manufacturer.
A breakdown by nationality provides interesting statistics as Belgium, France and Britain provides the most riders in MX1, but both of Italy's two men in the class are genuine title candidates defending champion David Philippaerts and class newcomer Toni Cairoli. The only other country to provide more than one rider is Estonia with the Leok cousins and Gert Krestinov.
Down in MX2 Britain, Belgium, Italy and Germany each have more than one rider, but more than a third of the entire line-up comes from France, a clear indication of the success of that countries national youth programme.
A breakdown of teams shows that Italy has displayed the most talent in adapting to the new financial demands of the sport at its highest level. Italy nominates ten of the 31 teams with Britain next on five. France, until recently without influence in the team stakes, also has five, Holland remains present with four, then Germany and Belgium with three each. The only team from elsewhere is the KTM factory squad.
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WHEELING and dealing is now nearing its close in Italy and several more GP prospects for 2009 became clear last week.
TM is still not able to announce its second MX1 rider alongside Aigar Leok, but after his successful end of season and winter programme, Matteo Bonini looks like being their man in MX2.
Loic Leonce will definitely not be the number two at TM after deciding to stay with JK, albeit on a third Aprilia in the class. His team-mate in MX2 will be Pascal Leuret, on a Honda (until this year JK has raced Yamahas).
European Supercross champion, Fabien Izoird, is confirmed for Valenti Suzuki in MX2, but Alex Salvini (pictured above) has left the team to race MX3 for the Husqvarna factory next summer.
At SRS Honda, Wyatt Avis will partner Khounsith Vongsana in an all-new line-up, Matti Seistola having quit motocross to take up a career in enduro with Husqvarna.
FOR FULL REPORT SEE T+MX NEWS, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5