by Chase Stallo
GP Season Preview
Friday, April 6, 2012 | 11:40 AM
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PrintThe sandy terrain of Valkenswaard, Holland will host the opening round of the 2012 FIM World GP Motocross Championship on Monday. If you haven’t been keeping tight on the GP scene, we’ve put together this handy guide to the weekend’s action.
MX1 Contenders:
Antonio Cairoli - #222 - Red Bull KTM - Italy
The five-time champion is once again the early favorite for the title in the MX1 class. Knee troubles hindered Cairoli early last season, yet he still cruised to the title – besting second place Steven Frossard by an astounding 124 points. The 2012 season may prove to be Cairoli’s most difficult trek to the championship with a healthy Clement Desalle, a hungry Frossard, a rising star in Evgeny Bobrshev and what, by all accounts, seems to be a rejuvenated and more importantly, motivated, Christophe Pourcel all breathing down his neck. With that said, Cairoli has taken home three-straight championships and is still the odds on favorite for a fourth.
Cairoli looks to make it four in a row beginning Monday at Valkenswaard.
Sara Gutierrez photo
Christophe Pourcel - #377 - Monster Energy Kawasaki - France
After a brief, yet disastrous, stint stateside with MotoConcepts in 2011, Pourcel headed back to his roots and back to Kawasaki – a bike, as he has voiced numerous times, he prefers. Inconsistency would plague Pourcel early in his return, but he would catch fire late, winning three motos over the last three races. Competing full-time on European soil for the first time since his catastrophic crash in 2007, the 2006 MX2 champion, along with Desalle, may be the biggest threats to Cairoli’s reign of terror in the MX1 class. CP377 and AC222 had a great rivalry back in their MX2 days. Will it reignite in 2012?
Clement Desalle - #25 - Rockstar Energy Suzuki - Belgium
Although Desalle won a career-high four times in 2011, many still consider his season a letdown. Desalle won the season opener in Bulgaria last season and coupled with Cairoli’s 10th, many were clamoring that Cairoli’s championship run was coming to an end. But a shoulder injury at a non-GP race would halt any chances of Desalle winning his first career title. With his shoulder now 100 percent, Desalle is looking to pick up where last season began.
Can Pourcel present a challange to Cairoli?
Sara Gutierrez photo
Steven Frossard - #183 - Monster Energy Yamaha - France
Clement Desalle and Christophe Pourcel will garner most of the attention as the main challengers to Cairoli’s title, but lying in wait is another Frenchman, Steven Frossard. Two wins, paired with five podium appearances helped lead Frossard to a runner-up finish in his MX1 class debut last season – while also missing the last two rounds with injury. Frossard has already proven in 2012 that he can match Cairoli’s speed -- and even more impressive was that he did it on Cairoli’s home soil -- besting the five-time champion for the Italian MX1 Championship. If Frossard can find a way to put all the pieces of the puzzle together for 2012, he may have a chance to upset Cairoli.
Evgeny Bobryshev - #777 - Factory Honda - Russia
The Russian made a big splash in 2011, capturing his first career MX1 win in Germany. After a breakout year, expectations have risen for Bobryshev—who is now expected to be on the podium week-in-week-out. Bobryshev has been impressive in pre-GP races; he currently leads the Dutch Motocross Championship over Ken de Dycker, Rui Goncalves, Kevin Strijbos and more, with six moto wins to go along with his huge points lead. If “Russian Bob” can capitalize on his impressive 2011 run and work on consistency, 2012 will be deemed a success.
Frossard topped Cairoli in the Italian MX1 Championship. Can he make it happen in the GP season?
Sara Gutierrez photo
David Philippaerts - #19 - Monster Energy Yamaha - Italy
The veteran from Italy is coming back from an injury-riddled 2011 season, which saw him miss the last four rounds. It would come as no surprise to see Philippaerts challenge for podiums now that he’s healthy. He is the last rider to win the MX1 title since Cairoli.
Rui Goncalves - #999 - Factory Honda - Portugal
Gonvalves was another rider who had a breakout year in 2011, finishing a career best sixth in points. A title would be a stretch, but podiums won’t.
Max Nagl - #12 - Red Bull KTM (currently injured) - Germany
Could challenge for wins once he returns from injury, but his title hopes have been squashed.
Ken de Dycker - #9 - Red Bull KTM - Belgium
A late replacement for the injured Nagl, de Dycker is looking to top his career best of third, which came in 2008.
Gautier Paulin - #21 - Kawasaki Racing Team - France
The Frenchman, who showed flashes of brilliance in the MX2 (250) class last year, is now getting his feet wet in the MX1 (450) class. Some say that Paulin is a much better 450 rider, as evidenced by some great rides on the big bike at the MX of Nations. Paulin is a bigger guy with a BMX background, so he possesses a good combination of technique and strength. We shall see how that translates into the full MX1 title chase.
Sebastien Pourcel - #11 - Monster Energy Kawasaki - France
Currently leads the French Elite Motocross Championship over the likes of Cedric Soubeyras and Greg Aranda, so 2012 could be a re-birth for Pourcel. But don’t expect a title out of the older Pourcel in his first full season since 2010.
MX2 Contenders
Jeffrey Herlings - #84 - Red Bull KTM – Holland
The overwhelming favorite to win the MX2 class will open the season on his favorite playground – Valkenswaard. Looking to carry on the KTM legacy that those before him began, Marvin Musquin from ’09-’10 then onto Ken Roczen last season, Herlings should get an early jump on the competition at his home race this weekend. Considered by many to be the best sand rider of this generation, Herlings is expected to walk out of Valkenswaard with 50 points and a first place trophy. He just needs to stay consistent on the hard packed tracks.
Herlings is the heavy favorite in the MX2 class.
Sara Gutierrez photo
Tommy Searle - #100 - Monster Energy Kawasaki – England
In what is likely Searle’s last season in the MX2 class, the time is now for him to win a championship. In his first full-season back on European soil last season, after a brief stint in America, Searle finished third behind the KTM duo of Ken Roczen and Jeffery Herlings. The Brit showed flashes of the speed that made him one of the most highly sought after imports, along with Tyla Rattray, just a few short years ago – winning an overall and racking up a number of podiums and moto wins. But there were two defining races that cost Searle dearly – the Grand Prix of Portugal and the Grand Prix of Sweden. Searle would finish both first motos with zero points only to follow them up with a win (Portugal) and a fourth (Sweden) in the second moto. If Searle can stay away from huge mistakes like those he could very well push Herlings to the limits for the title.
Zach Osborne - #338 - Monster Energy Yamaha (currently injured) – United States
In his last full season in Europe, 2012 looked like the best chance for an American to win the Grand Prix title since Bobby Moore in 1994. Osborne was riding high after coming to the states and putting in a magnificent showing in Monster Energy Supercross. But an injury while testing for the upcoming season opener will sideline Osborne for at least Valkenswaard, and maybe more. If Osborne can find a way to miss only one round his title hopes may still be within reach. If not, it looks like the American drought will continue.
The time is now for Searle.
Sara Gutierrez photo
Joel Roelants - #34 - Monster Energy Kawasaki – Belgium
Roelants has never been able to put an entire season together. The Belgian has the speed, but can he find the consistency? That’s the question as the season kicks off on Monday.
Jeremy van Horebeek - #89 - Red Bull KTM – Belgium
Another fast Belgian that has yet to put all the pieces together. In a field that looks to lack the depth it had last year, Horebeek could very well score some podiums, but a title is probably asking too much.
Arnaud Tonus - #7 - Monster Energy Yamaha (currently injured) - Switzerland
Tonus also will be sidelined for Valkenswaard after a big crash in the Maxxis British Championship, but is expected to return at round two. Tonus is a promising young star that had a breakout season last year, finishing the season fifth overall, and he will probably score a podium or two.
Max Anstie - #6 – Honda Gariboldi – England
If Anstie can find away to keep the off the track distractions out of the way, expect a few podiums and a couple of moto wins. If not, we could very well see a repeat of last year, which was fairly disappointing.
Osborne will begin 2012 on the sidelines.
Sara Gutierrez photo
2012 Schedule/ 2011 Winners
Valkenswaard, Netherlands - 9th April
2011 Winners - Antonio Cairoli (MX1) / Jeffrey Herlings (MX2)
Sevlievo, Bulgaria - 22nd April
2011 Winners - Clement Desalle / Ken Roczen
Fermo, Italy - 29th April
2011 Winners - Gautier Paulin / Jeffrey Herlings
Guadalajara, Mexico - 13th May
2011 Winners - n/a
Beto Carrero, Brazil - 20th May
2011 Winners - n/a
St Jean D'Angely, France - 3rd June
2011 Winners - Steven Frossard / Tommy Searle
Agueda, Portugal - 10th June
2011 Winners - Clement Desalle / Jeffrey Herlings
Bastogne, Belgium - 17th June
2011 Winners - n/a
Uddevalla, Sweden - 1st July
2011 Winners - Steven Frossard / Ken Roczen
Kegums, Latvia - 15th July
2011 Winners - Antonio Cairoli / Ken Roczen
Semigorje, Russia - 22nd July
2011 Winners - n/a
Loket, Czech Republic - 5th August
2011 Winners - Clement Desalle / Ken Roczen
Matterley Basin, Great Britain - 19th August
2011 Winners - Antonio Cairoli / Ken Roczen
Lierop, Netherlands - 2nd September
2011 Winners - n/a
TBA - 9th September
Teutschenthal, Germany - 23rd September
2011 Winners - Evgeny Bobryshev / Ken Roczen
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Herlings in MX2 and Frossard or Desalle in MX1 will win the titles.
No prize money?
I don't think Pourcel will have a good race this weekend but I think the championship will be the Cairoli vs. Pourcel showdown.
Sorry but this year GPs = yawn. Herlings will win MX2, Cairoli or Desalle will win MX1. Plus mx-tv raised their prices for less coverage. They still haven't sent me my shirt for the MXDN package last year. The real outdoors start at Hangtown (250 class will be awesome).
Saying the MX1 GP's will be a yawn tells me you don't know what your talking about. But you are right about the MX-Life thing which really pisses me off.
HERLINGS IS GONE BE THE NEW CHAMPION MX 2 THIS YEAR and 222 wil win the mx 1 champion ship
AND YES MX LIVE TV SUCKS BECAUSE THEY ASK NOW 90 EURO FOR A SEASON AND LAST YEAR IT WAS 40 EURO
MR LONGO IS A FAT MONEY PRIK
The REAL outdoors is indeed in the US....... FIM is piece of shit and anyone who wins a "World Championship" is never going to have the title of "best mx racer on the planet" as only the US National Cahmpion can claim this title..... Bring Cairoli over here and he get's smoked on a regular basis.... bring Herlings over here and he podiums Southwick and Millville.... rest time he is battling for 5th-10th!...
Why would Osborne even want to ride there he looked great in the west this year. Pourcel what a poor sport last year when he just left the track and bailed on his team at RD2. Especially since MotoConcepts Yamaha was managed by the David Vullimen a fellow french rider who pulled hard among others to get Pourcel on the team. They later terminated his contract and sent him packing back where he belongs.
@mbmoto
If Herlings rides Southwick he will easily win. Let me tell you now, Herlings is the BEST sand rider on the planet......fact. I'm betting that at this years MXON, Herlings will not only beat Villipoto and get the fastest lap but he will do it on a 250F. The guy is crazy fast in the sand.
Beware of MX-TV . Run by a bunch of Madoffs. I did the MXDN deal and could only get the programming by getting a T shirt. After months went by I contacted them and they said they would provide programming to the next MXDN . Yeah right. I said not so they gave me a choice of a cap or a cap or a cap. It came about a month after that . Buyer beware at any price. Programming sucked anyway. Never again.
Hi people from RacerX, sory but Rui Gonçalves from Factory Honda IS FROM PORTUGAL, not SPAIN, and spain and portugal are very diferent countrys. Rui is from the same country that J-ROD, former rider from Factory Conection in 2005, i think.
I think all the portuguese followers are going to be happy if you change the error.
I will say this... If Pourcel can't win there, and get that title from Cairoli, He sure as heck won't ever be able to win a title here in the U.s.. I don't really follow the gp's, but I will be keeping up with them for sure this year. Should be good...
I will say this, Pourcel has already proved he can dominate in the states. Remember how he was considered the best rider in the class both times he was vice champion here, how Dungey and Canard were both consistently slower. lol How fast your memory fades. Remember how the very last time Dungey and Pourcel raced, in 2011, pourcel passed him no problem on his way to dominating the Americans at the Des Nations. How he owned Justin Barcia everytime he was on the track with him when he was his supercoss championship, and how he beat Villopoto in 4 tries when he had never raced supercross before, and villo had never lost. No speed at all, even at the nationals he pulled out of last year, he still ran down and passed Reed. There are only a few guys that have his type of speed on this earth so have some F&$king respect.
Anyone know if the September 9th race might be Glen Helen again?
MBMOTO ..its strapon's like you which is the reason the rest of the world hates the US with a passion.
Why it may be difficult for a Euro to win a tittle in the US it is also equally as difficult for a Yank to win a title in Europe for a full season no matter who the hell it it is. (MXDN doesn't count as its just 1 day and not individual)
Pull your head out of your stupid high horse ass
GP's suck. I'm European, and I can honestly say that. Riders are great, but the series itself is closed series like F1. That means that you really can't race at all if you dont have million in your bank account or you are in a good team. And european series are way more separated than U.S series, you even have the whole amateur thing. If you win a championship in some country here, that doesn't really help you at all. Harri Kullas had to pay over 50 000€ for the first year he raced in Monster Energy Gariboldi Yamaha. One race costs 1,000€, just for signing up. And all that and no prize money... This series is like the EU-union, it sucks. Rich will rule, poor can do nothing. There is no room for privateers in GP's, not at all. Youthstream ruined the GP's.
It cracks me up how people b!tch and moan about TV coverage here in the states. Free, (mostly) live coverage is leaps and bounds above anything else out there (besides live MotoGP races). In response to some of the posts here, though, I have to say that after shelling out the money, MXdN coverage last year was good (laptop plugged into big screen) and I got my T-shirt in decent time. The racing is good at the GPs, but AMA racing IS the world championship. Just ask K-Roc and Musquin.
@sef154; Television coverage for (specifically AMA) Motocross has gotten some very good representation through SPEEDtv, there is no denying that fact. However, YouthStream's broadcasts through MX-LIFE.tv.com have really stepped up their game over the last few years via the internet (you can interface with your TV if desired) and this year they will be providing 10hrs of live coverage beginning with Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.
The only coverage they have dropped is the live qualifying races (they will be covered by highlights with each perspective class), and that has been due to public opinion and time constraints. When you figure the 4.99euros for 10hrs of (live) coverage investment, that is a pretty good deal by todays standards, as far as I am concerned. And that is individual event pricing. You wanna save 15euros buy the package deal which includes the MXdN event. Plus the T-Shirt. Ha!
Oh, and did I mention no commercial interruptions during motos.
But, in all fairness, I like to see the glass, half full, as opposed to the (other) measurement option. As Monty Python says,"Always look to the full-side of your glass." Everybody Now, Whistle....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrdEMERq8MA
Hey kangaroo pumper........ one day you might wake up and realize that all of the fast riders who WANT to race the best come the US to try.... It is a fact from Roger Decoster on.... they all want to come over here! So.... climb back on your donkey and tell your "3 time World Champ" Cairoli to come over here and get his ass handed to him on a regualr basis. Oh btw- there are no less than 5-7 guys here in the states that would easily win the World MX championship in their first try.
As far as the G.P.'s go this year, I hope Mexico turns out alright. I don't want to hear about some drug cartel b.s. ruining everyone's good time. Soon enough, they'll move the race back to the U.S. With any decent planning, they'll go back to Glen Helen and have the same date as before (before the Nats kick off). I'm pretty sure Racer productions doesn't want that happening but, I'm all about more & better racing. We don't get that with a monopoly.
I'm really disapointed about Osborne's situation. I hope he can at least win a race before he turns the lights out on his G.P. career.
Carioli, Pourcel, Russian Bob, DeSalle and Frossard ought to be a good show.
I think it's foolish to declare so and so will do this or won't do that. We have seen before that anybody can win at any time. DeSalles' performance at Unadilla a couple years back was astonishing! As suprising as that was, I doubt anyone will be shocked to see Herlings light up the field at a sand race. I'd enjoy seeing him come over to Southwick and blow some minds.
I don't really know what to expect out of the MX2 class this year. Will Herlings just steamroll the field or will Searle, Anstie, Osborne and company have something for him? Either way, He HAS to be a heavy favorite in the MXdN.
Yup, CP377 did as expected....set about 9th fastest during the moto and ended up 32nd in moto 1
Let's see what he does in moto 2.