NAfter the Russian GP last weekend, the Motocross World Championship is entering the home straight. Traditionally, this is also the period in which the transfer of musical chairs is in full swing. This year, all eyes are on the MX1 class. Especially because a number of strong riders are making the switch from the MX2 class. In addition, there are also a number of MX1 top riders who have to look for a new seat. Mxmag lets the crystal ball do the work…

Goncalves (front) is still waiting for certainty. Bobryshev will be back with the Honda factory team next year.
Honda
What was supposed to be a strong season for Honda has so far turned out to be a failure. Honda World Motocross leader Evgeny Bobryshev struggled with injuries and therefore fell below expectations. Yet Honda continued to have confidence in the Russian. But the Russian background of Honda World Motocross main sponsor Investtradebank probably also played a decisive role. It is still unclear who will man the second Honda factory engine. Rui Goncalves didn't quite work out this season. This was also due to injuries for the Portuguese. According to Spanish sources Gas Gas firmly Goncalves likes in it World Enduro Championship to see. But that track seems to come too soon for Rui, who certainly still has something to prove in the Motocross World Championship and is holding off the enduro boat. The factory team would therefore negotiate with many riders for the second seat in addition to Goncalves. The Italian David Philippaerts is mentioned, which is logical given the team's Italian roots.
To provide a complete list of who is in contact with whom would take us too far afield. Simply because all the top 20 riders talk to all the factory teams and established names! This usually concerns the second available place. However, it is clear that Honda absolutely wants to score next year. It should therefore not be surprising that there is strong red interest in it Tommy Searle. Even Steven Frossard would be in the picture.
For next year, Honda has a trump card with the revolutionary new CRF450R. That is also interesting for the Belgian LS Honda Racing. Steven Lettani's Honda Europe-backed team had to make do with just one rider this season. Also with Jonathan Barragan Injuries played an important role. In Russia, however, the Spaniard started to get going again. Let's wait and see whether the Spaniard will also be on the Lierse Hondas next year. Attracting an absolute top driver is a utopia for non-factory teams. The age limit in the MX2 does open up perspectives. The list of sub-toppers in which LS Honda can fish is therefore large. The successful duo of 2010 Tanel Leok-Davide Guarneri this brings it back into focus. According to Moto Verte, too Xavier Bow have an interest.
Kawasaki
In the Kawasaki Racing Team factory team is Gautier Paulin a certainty for next year. However, Xavier Boog can pack his bags and so the team will be slightly less French next year. The biggest candidate for the second factory Kawasaki KX450F is Jeremy Van Horebeek. The Jerre is having a good season and can therefore count on a lot of interest. However, according to the Italian magazine Motosprint, the Hasselaar is close to a switch to KRT.
In the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team it seems more and more like that Christophe Pourcel leaves at the end of this season. The former MX2 world champion has 'unfinished business' on the other side of the ocean and will probably work for the team of Jeff Ward are going to come true. The switch from 'Cri Cri' probably also has consequences for brother Sébastien. After all, it was Christophe who forced the presence of his brother as second driver. The question remains whether the oldest Pourcel will still be part of the CLS team next year. The first choice for CLS in the MX1 next year is the Brit Tommy Searle. Searle is big and strong, a disadvantage in MX2, but at 450 he is certainly one of the men of the future.
KTM
The Red Bull KTM factory team is the reigning world champion Antonio Cairolli of course certainly in his place. Max Nagl on the other hand, will have to look for another seat. Although KTM did make it clear that they are willing to support the Dark. What remains: a KTM factory bike for the MX1 class. Since KTM thoroughly overhauled the SX-F 2013 for 450, it is logical that the second rider will take part on that machine. In that case the most obvious choice is Ken Dycker. But there are still privateers on the coast. What about Kevin Strijbos who could win a round in the Latvian GP? And we haven't even talked about it Jeffrey herlings. If the Brabander becomes MX2 world champion, it is difficult to imagine that he will be able to prepare for a fourth season in this class next year. Especially since he is already outshining the opposition.
We'll talk about it next time Suzuki, Yamaha and the other MX1 teams
Photos: CDS