Press Release

Bright comeback for Osborne with 5th place in Sweden

Monster Energy Yamaha were able to count on the three original stars of their 2012 line-up at a damp Uddevalla for the Grand Prix of Sweden. The ninth round of sixteen in the FIM Motocross World Championship saw Arnaud Tonus and Christophe Charlier joined by Zach Osborne for the first time this season and the trio consistently strived to set the pace throughout the weekend. Osborne starred in the muddy conditions and captured fifth position overall.

A crowd of 22,000 flocked to the high rocks and fences of Uddevalla and although rainfall and dark skies obscured the event the fine soil of the jumps, dips and shallow hills of the racetrack held up quite well. It was a muddy Grand Prix and terrain was swampy, greasy and rough while overtaking remained difficult away from the main racing line.

Osborne made a welcome return after rehabbing from collarbone and shoulder surgery that was a consequence of a pre-season crash. The American was in lively form for his maiden Grand Prix appearance of the year and rode from fifteenth to fifth position in Saturdays qualification heat. The same speed was in evidence during the first moto on Sunday where he chased down and passed Jake Nicholls to breach the top five. The former British Champion could even have looked at a podium finish as he hunted the top four in the second race but a collision with team-mate Christophe Charlier cost both riders time and Osborne was adrift in fifth spot again until the flag.

Charlier had recovered sufficiently from his dislocated shoulder at the Grand Prix of France to be able to throw his leg over the prototype YZ250FM and gained momentum with each session of the Grand Prix. A mistake and crash cost the Frenchman time in the first moto and he collected eighteenth. A better launch in the second sprint saw the ex European Champion vying for attention in the leading group until his run-in with Osborne. Charlier still picked up sixth for twelfth overall.

Tonus had a day to forget after initially setting lap-times on Saturday that placed the Swiss as a rider in contention for a trophy. A fall on the first lap of a soaking first moto, pitting to change goggles and another slip meant the current MX2 British Champion had to be content with points for fourteenth. A decent start in the second race was foiled by a sticking rear brake and unfortunately signalled the end of his participation.

Monster Energy Yamaha are next in action for the Grand Prix of Latvia at Kegums on July 15th where Mel Pocock will suit-up and attempt to win the second round of the European EMX250 series at Kegums. The Grand Prix of Russia at Semigorje will take place the following weekend.

Zach Osborne:

It went pretty good. To come out and do two 35 minutes plus 2 lap motos for the first time since almost this time last year was really positive. Two fifth positions and two pretty solid rides I had a little crash with Charlier in the second moto otherwise I might have been able to go for the podium but its all good. Weve got two weeks until Latvia so hopefully I can go back and work on my fitness some more and keep building up. I thought I wouldnt be able to last as long as I did because I couldnt do anything for the first six weeks after my operation but I was able to go really deep in the second moto. I was trying to catch Jake [Nicholls] but I reached a point where I was toast. Anyway, its been a pretty good day.

Arnaud Tonus:

It was a tough day but Im thankful not to have any injuries because I had a few crashes and the track was pretty gnarly. I felt good here, and its shame as my speed was there. In the first moto I had a decent start but made a mistake. I got stuck in the mud and crashed. From there it was hard to come back and I had to stop for more goggles. I then fell off again! It was a hard race but at least I had some points. The start was not too bad in the second moto eighth or something but then I had a problem with the rear brake. Something blocked it. I came in and it freed for two corners but then happened again. Bad luck like that can happen. Today was a shame but it was a good day for Zach and positive to see a result like that for the team.

Christophe Charlier:

I was only able to ride once before coming here and I was a little nervous before the first practice how my shoulder would feel. I was happy because after each session I was feeling faster and more comfortable on the bike. On a few jumps I was coming up a bit short sometimes and my arm was fine. I was a bit unlucky in each race and in particular the second one after the crash with Osborne. Without that I believe I could have reached the top three or four.

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