Rockstar Teka Suzuki World MX1 will have had an extra spring in its step this week in their journey to the impressive Bellpuig circuit for the upcoming Grand Prix of Catalunya and the fifth round of 15 in the 2010 FIM Motocross World Championship.
Clement Desalle shocked his peers by claiming his - and the team's - first victory this season last weekend in Portugal despite dislocating his right shoulder only two weeks beforehand in Holland. The Belgian took his factory RM-Z250WS to two runner-up positions in the motos for his third visit to the podium this year and his first to the top-step in 'yellow.'
After the disappointment of Valkenswaard three weeks ago - in which he did not pick up any points and had a big question mark hanging over his fitness - the 20-year-old's haul of 44 points last Sunday means that he has reinvigorated his position in the standings and now holds fifth, just 10 marks from the top three. Despite the exciting outcome of the races in Agueda, Desalle is quick to downplay any notion that he is back to 100%: "I was really happy and it was a good meeting for my head and my confidence after two bad weeks. I am pleased with how my body could come through the races but I am still recovering and must not go too crazy. If I can do the next GP without any problems, and also some good race finishes, then that will be great."
Steve Ramon has had a light week to give his body as much time as possible to recover from the aches and pains picked up in his unfortunate crash during last Saturday's Qualification Heat. The Belgian was able to complete both motos with a sore hip to take ninth overall and will now be hoping to recover the rich vein of form he had enjoyed prior to Portugal.
Bellpuig is a quick and hard-pack course located on the side of the Montperler hillside. The layout is dwarfed by a triple step-up section with the landscape also housing a spectacular step-down. Bellpuig has been on the FIM world championship schedule since 2000 and has become Spain premier venue for grand prix racing. It was the site of Ramon's very first MX1 victory in the ill-fated 2008 edition in which relentless rainfall washed out the event and the result was declared after the first flooded moto. "Bellpuig is a bit faster than Agueda and the hard-pack means the ground can get rough and punishing," said Ramon. "I enjoy this place; if you can get a good rhythm going, then it is fun."
The weather forecast for the weekend sees bright sunshine predicted for Sunday with clouds and the chance of a shower on Saturday.
