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Out of left field: Akira Narita. He's rode the '17 since 2015.

Probably Narita-san going for his 12th All Japan MX title and Kei Yamamoto (did the final race of the season at Sugo as Narita's teammate) who comes back home after an underwhelming career in MXGP.

How much factory support does Maurer get? Either way it's good to see Hsu land something, he still has unfinished business in MX2. He was injured for the 1st half and it didn't seem he was entirely comfortable during the second half. I don't think it was a good thing that he didn't end up completing the season with Suzuki...

This article from Sept. 21st provides some news: http://www.speedweek.com/mx2/news/99027/Verpokert-Bei-Suzuki-ist-fuer-B… He hasn't secured anything in the US yet. Might be interesting to see if he goes to another manufacturer, though not sure how that works since he has a long-term one with Suzuki? Can they both mutually end the relationship?

Seems like a similar story to Casey Stoner in MotoGP, his family sacrificed a lot to move to Europe to give him a chance to move up the GP ranks/race against top competitors. I think I read in an interview with Shimoda that he had the same mindset, race against better competition (not belittling the Japanese domestic scene here). This...

Awesome pics, thanks for posting. Nice to see the behind the scenes stuff and not just on track pics.

More news in regards to Hsu Interesting, looks he is done with Europe. Suzuki appears to be his first choice in terms of teams, but he may go elsewhere.

Hsu not competing the 250s this race?

Cairoli is the Valentino Rossi equivalent in MXGP. The amount of championships both of them have won speaks for their talent. They both have the experience and savvy to pull off winning the championship, but those young guys gunning for them haven't made it easy. I wouldn't not count out Cairoli either, just look at Rossi last year he nearly...

Logistically it would be easier for US based teams to race the GP in Mexico, though probably makes little financial/sponsor marketing sense for them to go there.

Strijbos stays with Suzuki: http://www.crash.net/moto-x/news/221494/1/strijbos-stays-factory-suzuki…

You're right....I'm confused by this part of the statement 'Next year we will be even more important for Yamaha, doing their development, but our focus will also be in MX2..' The word 'also', are they planning on being in MXGP next season in addition to their MX2 program?

That's what I was referring to the MXGP team.

Coldenhoff has won this year and his contract with Suzuki is up after this season. It seems he also can fit the description from Standing Construct.