Suzuki Europe MX2 will resume active status in the FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend at the Grand Prix of France and the fifth round of 15: The team welcomes Italian 18 year old Simone Zecchina into the fold to replace Valentin Teillet for this weekend and the two following weeks with GP events in Portugal and Spain.
St Jean D'Angely will face a dress rehearsal for hosting the Motocross of Nations in September and the hillside circuit should house its traditionally large and raucous crowd.
Suzuki Europe MX2 have been counting the days until they could again warm-up their RM-Z250 machines in anger after the shoulder injury picked-up by Teillet in Bulgaria for the first meeting of the year. With the French racer still not 100% fit the crew has permitted Suzuki rider Zecchina (Italian 125cc two-stroke champion) to make his Grand Prix debut with the highly-fettled motorcycles that last season were pushing for the 2010 MX2 title.
"It will feel good to be back after missing three Grands Prix and it will of course be a big occasion for Simone but there is absolutely no pressure on him," commented Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher. "Valentin was not able to make a return for his home round in full fitness and now we have a chance to have a look at a young and talented guy who is leading the European 125cc two-stroke series.
"The Grand Prix of France is always such a great event because the fans are so passionate, especially for their home-grown riders. St Jean is a good circuit and when the spectators fill one side of the hill then it has a special atmosphere."
St Jean D'Angely entertains the French stop on the calendar for the sixth time in the last eight years. In 2010 Suzuki Europe MX2 were able to record a best finish of sixth with Arnaud Tonus but this time it is Zecchina who has a opportunity to shine and has quietly impressed the team with his focus and determination in tests last week in Belgium. The track itself is likely to face small modifications in-line with the club's willingness to offer a new test to the Grand Prix races with every new edition of the World Championship near the west coast.
The weather forecast predicts warm temperatures but potential chances of showers at the weekend.
