Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe travels to Faenza in Italy for the Grand Prix of Europe and the penultimate round of 16 in the FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend.
Sunshine and high temperatures are predicted for the series' first return to the steep hillside close to Bologna since 2009 and the meeting will represent Julien Lieber's maiden outing at the venue and just his third race with the factory-backed RM-Z250.
Lieber has posted points in the last four consecutive motos (for only the second time this year) since joining the crew as a replacement in the wake of Harri Kullas' and Petar Petrov's injuries. After a tough outing through the sand of Lierop last weekend, he now faces the long uphill and steep downhill descents and hard-pack terrain of Faenza for the first time in a GP.
The European Grand Prix also brings to a close the European MX2 and 125cc two-stroke championships. Jeremy Seewer will unfortunately miss the final EMX2 affair after his crash on Saturday in Holland. The Swiss dislocated his left thumb but also suffered a concussion and it is for this reason that the youngster will sit-out the journey to Italy and focus on getting back to full fitness to represent his country with the RM-Z250 at the Motocross of Nations on September 30th. The team will field Jorge Zaragoza on the RM125 in the EMX125 as the Spaniard looks to build on the fourth position he scored two weeks ago in Bulgaria for the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.
"We head to Italy and a very distinct and let's say 'typical' track this weekend," said Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher. "Julien has been working hard together with the team to give a good showing on the RM-Z250 and we're pleased with how he has come into the squad and the effort he has shown. Hopefully this Sunday, on a track that could not be more different to Lierop last week, we'll put the yellow bike back near the front of the field.
"Jeremy went to the excellent Ortema facility on Monday to have his thumb checked out and it looks ok so no need for an operation. He has made good progress after what was a worrying crash and is seeing a specialist about the concussion, so we are thinking about the Nations for him. It will be great to have Jorge back in action again because he is such a pleasure to watch on the bike and has been regaining speed and confidence since his arm-break. The goal is to have a positive end of the season with him."
