Ttwo new, fast riders: Rui Gonçalves and Evgeny Bobryshev, more factory support from Honda and renewed ambition. The Honda Martin team was festively introduced to the press and public today at the Motorcycle Live exhibition Birmingham. An atmosphere of optimism surrounded the presentation because after years of bad luck and injuries, the team of Paolo Martin is ready for a new start. Honda Europe has signed a three-year agreement with the Italian team. This also allows Honda and the team to finally work on a long-term strategy. As part of this collaboration, the team will be renamed 'Honda World Motocross'. The Belgian LS Honda Racing is the factory-supported team alongside Honda World Motocross in the MX1 World Championship.
Additional reason for optimism are the excellent tests in Japan last month. With Bobryshev, Honda-Martin has one of the revelations of the past season. The big Russian impressed in his first MX1 season on the CRF450R with CAS-Honda. His second place in Latvia proved that with a year more experience, J-Bob could regularly fight for a podium place. The Portuguese Rui Gonçalves also rode his first season in MX1. However, the 2 MX2009 vice world champion had a difficult start to the season due to a shoulder injury. With a second place in Lierop, RG also showed that he has potential in MX1.
In January, both riders will complete an altitude internship in an Italian winter sports resort. Extensive testing will follow in Sardinia, where it can be driven all year round. Both riders will make their Honda World Motocross racing debuts in Mantova.
Rui Goncalves, Honda World Motocross
“I am very happy with this opportunity, it was very important for me to be able to work with a factory team again. Everyone is looking forward to it and I notice that Honda is hungry for success again. I have already noticed that the 2011 CRF450R is an excellent basis. To customize that engine is a great challenge. The team itself feels very family-like, but on the other hand they work hard and professionally. I will spend December in Portugal, in terms of training the emphasis is on physical but I will still keep in touch with the bike.”
Evgeny Bobryshev, Honda World Motocross
“It's very positive for me to continue working with an engine and a manufacturer that I know. The fact that I can now drive for the factory team is another step forward, while the Honda just suits me perfectly! Although the team is new to me, I already knew many of the guys. Hopefully I can make progress again next year, my goal is to achieve podium places and who knows, my first MX1 victory!”
