MXGP World Championship Preview
The countdown has begun, just a few more sleeps and the Motocross World Championship begins! This year the MX1 class will be transformed into the MXGP class. In fact, nothing has changed other than the name, although we will no longer see the experimental super final this year.
However, none of that will have much influence on the final result that we will see in the last grand prix in Brazil. It is no secret who the big favorite is to be crowned world champion there. Antonio Cairoli is the name. The Sicilian is hunting for his eighth world title! The big question that arises every year is: can someone stop him this year?!
The most important name may be the name of the Frenchman Gautier Paulin. Last season, the Kawasaki pilot was the only one who could beat Antonio Cairoli in hand-to-hand combat. The stylish pilot already has the speed, if he can show this in every heat in 2014, he could make it very difficult for AC222.
Paulin's teammate Steven Frossard has recorded little to no results over the past two seasons due to injuries. Last winter he decided to leave the Yamaha Rinaldi team and sign with the KRT Kawasaki team. A good move, as it appears for the time being in the preparatory matches. Steven Frossard was vice-world MX2011 champion in 1 in his rookie season. If he can complete this season injury-free and return to his 2011 level, number 183 will be a dangerous prospect for some grand prix.
Someone who went from KRT Kawasaki to Yamaha Rinaldi was Jeremy Van Horebeek. De Jerre already showed with his wonderful results in the Italian championship that the 2014 Yamaha can no longer be compared to the horse that Frossard and Roelants competed on last year. These wonderful results immediately created great expectations. Grand Prix victories and perhaps a role in the title fight are certainly no illusion. The place of best Belgian in the World Cup. These are all things that the Yamaha pilot can qualify for in 2014.
Clément Desalle will certainly also be considered for the place of best Belgian. The world title is a different matter. It increasingly appears that the Rockstar Suzuki pilot is mentally failing at crucial moments. In addition, he always rides his best races when nothing is at stake. Or does Clement Desalle need competition rhythm and is this why in 2011, the season in which he contested Belgian Championships and other international competitions, we saw his most GP victories in one season?
The other Belgians to look forward to are Kevin Strijbos who is not yet fully fit after his hip injury and Joel Roelants who is looking for a good season in the MXGP class with his new team. Both will be podium candidates in certain grand prix. Ken De Dycker will also be a podium candidate once he returns from his injury.
Podium candidates from abroad are guys like Max Nagl, a good Max Nagl can even do more than just finish on the podium. The German can certainly win matches if he becomes the old Nagl again. The question we have to ask is, will he come close to the old Nagl and can he perfect the holeshots that are necessary for his livelihood? His teammate, the Russian Evgeny Bobryshev, can be the fastest on the track at times. If the injuries stay away, it could become very interesting. We will also be watching with interest to see how HRC's support will be reflected in the competitions.
Another Honda pilot employed by 24MX Honda is Xavier Boog. The Frenchman had a season to forget last season, but the Frenchman is and remains a talent. With lap times at which you can set a clock, he will certainly play for a regular top five spot.
There are still some strong candidates from Great Britain. Tommy Searle will certainly be in contention for podiums. He had a very strong debut year on the 450cc bike last year. If he can continue this strong trend, he may become a regular stage visitor.
Another fellow countryman who surprised friend and foe last year by winning Lierop is Shaun Simpson. This year stunts in Lierop will not be possible because this beautiful sand track is not on the calendar, but some great results are certainly possible.
A newcomer to the MXGP Class and also from across the channel is Jake Nicholls. It remains to be seen what Nicholls is capable of in the MXGP field, but the qualities are already there!
Good Old David Philippaerts is going private this season, just like Joel Roelants, we have to wait and see whether his story will also be as nice a story as that of Chad Reed. DP19 will compete on a Yamaha with the support of Rinaldi, among others. Team and bike completely to the Italian's liking could result in a revival of the former world champion.
Then there are also the Husqvarna boys! Tyla Rattray may be a former MX2 world champion. His 2012 and 2013 seasons in the United States of America on the 450 Kawasaki are two worth remembering as quickly as possible. Expectations therefore differ widely when we talk to people about Rattray. Some talk about: 'A place between 5 and 7'. Others are slightly more skeptical and say: 'He should be happy with a place between 10 and 15.' The latter could well be the harsh reality when we look at the field of participants. In addition, the question is: 'How much confidence does Tyla still have in herself on a 350/450?!'. Now not only Rattray rides for Husqvarna but also a certain Todd Waters. This Australian was a dominating factor in the Australian Championship. That he won't be here is a safe assumption, but a good motocross rider there is also a good motocross rider here. It will just be a matter of seeing how quickly the Australian can adapt to the Grand Prix circuits and speed. Life in Europe will also be quite an adjustment for Todd Waters. We will soon know whether this whole adventure will be a success for Waters because it all starts on Saturday evening. We are already looking forward to it.
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven – Photos: Bavo
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