MX-GP: MX1-GP Monster Energy Yamaha flight prepped for launch‏

Monster Energy Yamaha’s 2011 MX1-GP contingent will turn the wheels on
their works YZ450FMs in anger for the opening events in the European
motocross calendar this weekend. The Starcross International at Mantova
in Italy will see 2008 world champion David Philippaerts run the 2011
spec of his deft machinery through the sand with new Yamaha recruit
Anthony Boissiere, entered by the Gariboldi faction of the team, for
company. Meanwhile further north another fresh addition to the Yamaha
ranks, Steven Frossard, will make his first appearance in the
distinctive black and green livery when he tackles a generous host of
MX1-GP peers at Valence in France.

Philippaerts has been keeping himself in
top condition over the past few months in various locations and is now
on the edge of his fourth term with Yamaha and the Rinaldi group. “It
has been a good winter, I spent two weeks in the mountains doing some
training at high altitude and then almost three weeks in Sardinia where
I was able to ride every day because the weather was so good,” said the
tough 27 year old. “At the moment I am working very hard by running and
cycling everyday but Mantova is coming close and I’m happy for that
because the races will then begin and the calendar becomes busy!”

“I have a new mechanic for 2011, an
Italian who used to work for one of the Yamaha GP teams and who I know
well, so that is something very positive and our tests have left me
happy in terms of the performance and the strength of the bike,” he
added. “We have two days of engine tests planned for Tuesday and
Wednesday this week and we will have even more information.”

Frossard spent almost a month in Belgium
before heading to the south of France and sunnier climes. Alongside
MX2-GP rider Gautier Paulin he completed a thorough suspension test
last week and is now braced for chilly temperatures in Valence where he
will get a taste of competitive action in the 450cc division for the
first time. For Boissiere the chance to race with the YZ450FM from
within the Gariboldi camp permits a return to the brand with whom he
took his first chequered flags at MX-GP level in 2005.

“I was resting with an injured wrist in
December but once I felt better then I was able to train hard in the
south of France where the weather was more reliable than being in
Belgium,” the 25 year old commented on the build-up to his second
MX1-GP campaign. “I have been riding the Yamaha a lot and I feel good
on the bike. The engine is crazy; it is so strong, so I’m happy for
that. I have found a very professional and passionate team with the
Gariboldi guys and my mechanic is very good, so we are set for a good
season.”

“We start in Mantova this week and then
ride the Italian Championship with all four rounds before the first
Grand Prix,” he added. “In terms of the world championship my only goal
is to give the best of myself and I am working hard to get good
results.”