Desalle looking for the win in Talavera
By Team TMX on 8th May 15
After a dark and damp fifth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Holland the teams and riders of the MXGP and MX2 classes are head for sunnier climes this weekend in Talavera de la Reina, Spain.
The second Grand Prix of Spain to occur at the undulating circuit south of Madrid this century will see Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MXGP back to full strength with Clement Desalle joined by Kevin Strijbos on the works RM-Z450s.
Desalle has a 100% podium record in the championship so far and is chasing his first victory since Germany last summer which will add to his career tally of 19 wins so far. The Belgian owned both motos in a comprehensive sweep of the Spanish Grand Prix almost 12 months ago.
Meanwhile Strijbos returns to the factory awning for the first time since opting for wrist surgery after the Grand Prix of Thailand in March.
A popular and ‘old-school' track with hard-pack terrain, some challenging off-camber turns and small hilly rises, Talavera is a contrast to the bumpy sand of Valkenswaard where Desalle secured third position over a week ago.
Desalle conquered Talavera in 2014 and knows a similar outcome – and first triumph of 2015 after three runner-up positions - will give him his best chance of dealing with the marginal five point gap to Max Nagl in the premier class standings and possibly reclaiming the red plate as MXGP series leader.
"My last win feels like a long time ago and it would be good to have my 20th soon,” commented Desalle from his home this week. "I had a bit of trouble with my back and a rib after the crash on Saturday in Valkenswaard but nothing that will affect me for the weekend.”
"After last year of course I have good memories of Talavera,” he said. "It is a narrow track but I didn't have too many problems to pass and – like all GP circuits these days – it is important to have that good start. What will also be good for me this weekend will be to come through Saturday without any problems. I had crashes in Italy and also Holland so one small goal will be to have an easier weekend all around.”
