The second leg of the South American stint of the FIM Motocross World Championship will see Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe heading with its crated RM-Z250s from Mexico to Brazil this weekend and preparing for the fifth race of the 2012 campaign.
After the heat and altitude of Guadalajara last weekend, cooler temperatures and a venue next to the sea will be the contrasting conditions offered by the Beto Carrero circuit, located in the immediate proximity of a theme park, north of the city of Florianopolis.
The track will be another unseen challenge for Harri Kullas and Petar Petrov but the well-kept layout is formed from a 'typical' red terrain and features several elevation changes. A flat and compact 'stadium section' will provide good viewing opportunities for the crowds that will pack into grandstands.
Both riders will be hoping for more decent points' scores. Kullas and Petrov have added to their Championship tally - Kullas is currently 10th and Petrov 13th in the standings - in seven from eight motos run this season so far. The Finn is finally coming back to full fitness after suffering with mineral deficiencies and the Bulgarian has recovered from a pre-season lower back problem. The RM-Z-250s have been capable and formidable weapons for both in their first terms in yellow.
"The bikes have been running perfectly in some tough conditions," Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher reflected after Guadalajara. "We had a little bit of bad luck in the first moto in Mexico, just because of the punishment from the mud, but in terms of getting ready and performing, we are happy.
"The riders have had their own troubles since the start of the season but we sat down together after the first Grand Prix and told them not to stress and to keep believing in themselves because the results will come," added the German. "We've seen a few other guys showing good speed but not getting the finishes that they want and we were keen to focus on completing the motos and making a platform from which we can improve. Being consistent with the points is the way we can attempt to reach our goal this year."
The race in Beto Carrero will take place five hours behind CET.
MX2 World Championship Standings (after 4 of 16 rounds): 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 194 points; 2. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), 154 p.; 3. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), 153 p.; 4. Joel Roelants (BEL, Kawasaki), 118 p.; 5. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), 107 p.; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, Honda), 105 p.; 7. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), 95 p.; 8. Dylan Ferrandis (FRA, Kawasaki), 91 p.; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Husqvarna), 80 p.; 10. Harri Kullas (FIN, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe), 76 p.; 11. Michael Leib (USA, Yamaha), 61 p.; 12. Jose Butron (ESP, KTM), 60 p. 13. Petar Petrov (BUL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe), 57 p.
