Excellent beginning for Yamaha’s 2007 Motocross campaign

The efforts of Joshua Coppins, Antonio Cairoli and Yves Demaria in the FIM MX1, MX2 and MX3 Championship respectively have ensured a fantastic start to the international off-road racing calendar for Yamaha; with the manufacturer leading the standings of each series and remaining unbeaten in the two Grand Prix run so far in MX1 and MX2.   The Yamaha Motocross Team, reigning champions in the MX1 class, has extended their run of victories to 16 Grand Prix from the last 17 run over the past twelve months. New signing for 2007, Joshua Coppins, has gelled immediately with the YZ450FM and has won three of four motos in total, contested in Holland and Spain last weekend; climbing the top step of the overall rostrum on both occasions. The 30 year old New Zealander has shown an impressive rate of speed in sand and also muddy conditions at Bellpuig on Sunday, and is currently fulfilling many pre-season predictions that the Kiwi is number one favourite for the ’07 title. The Rinaldi-helmed crew are chasing their seventh championship this century and Team Manager Carlo is pleased with the progress thus far: “Josh was steady in the sand and stayed consistent in difficult conditions on Sunday; this was the best we could have expected from him. Josh believes in himself so much and is very motivated and focussed; we trust that we can have a very good season with him.”    Coppins’ achievements on the eve of entering the third round of fifteen at the Agueda circuit for the Grand Prix of Portugal this weekend have only been matched by the flamboyant and incredibly popular Antonio Cairoli in the MX2 competition. The exciting Sicilian – steering the potent YZ250F for Team De Carli Yamaha – has also won three from four motos and is undefeated in terms of GP wins. The 21 year old has raised his career tally of successes to 12 with a dominant set of victories at Valkenswaard two weeks ago and then sensationally beating Christophe Pourcel by passing the Champion on the last lap in Spain. “I am really happy with how things have been going,” the 2005 World Champ commented, “and I want to try and continue in this way. I know I have to be consistent for the championship and not repeat the mistakes I made last year. I am in good shape and the team is working very hard; we are heading in a good direction.”    With second and third positions captured in French and Italian Grand Prix events the MX3 series is currently being led by multi champion and reigning number one in the category Yves Demaria. The experienced French rider, who first gained the MX3 crown in 2004, is fielding adapted YZ450F machinery within his own team structure this season. He returns to the ‘blue’ fold after winning in 250cc Grand Prixs last century and the 2001 Motocross of Nations at Namur with the Yamaha brand. For 2007 the 35 year old is battling with some younger names such as Benjamin Coisy (victor in Italy) and main title rival Sven Breugelmans. “It is good to see some young faces in this ‘old’ championship,” he commented “They get the chance to re-establish themselves and it is positive for the series. I am leading the standings after two rounds and I don’t think I could ask for any more at the moment.” “The Yamaha is a good bike and it was only a case of sorting out some suspension settings at the start of the year. I think Breugelmans, Vehvilainen and Lozano will be my main competition for the rest of the season,” he added.    “Off course I am delighted with the results of our riders in all the MX world-championships,” said Huub Forschelen, Off-road Racing Manager of Yamaha Motor Europe. “After consecutive titles in MX1 with one specific rider, I am happy that we can prove that it is not just the individual who makes this possible. Now we can show also that the perfect team organisation and engineering qualities of YRRD (Yamaha Rinaldi Research Development) are a substantial part of the success, which Josh is now continuing for us. The quality of YRRD racing parts are proven as well in the MX3 championship, where Yves is leading, as a privateer, with his YZ479F kit-equipped Yamaha. While, as well, Team De Carli show the high level that a good team can tune a YZ250F. It is a motivation for a rider like Tony to work with such a team and to continue his victory tour.” The MX1 and MX2 Grand Prix of Portugal takes place in the dark red soil of Agueda with practice commencing this Saturday. The World Championship then pauses for a week before heading for consecutive meetings in Italy and Germany. MX3 also continues this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix occurring near Madrid at Talavera de la Reina.