Press Release

LEOK JOINS DESALLE AT SUZUKI MX1 IN 2012

ocscottie
10/4/2011 1:42pm

Team Suzuki Press Office - October 4. 

Rockstar
Energy Suzuki World MX1 will tackle the 2012 FIM MX1 Motocross World
Championship with Clement Desalle for a third season in a row and the
Belgian will be joined by Estonian Tanel Leok as the pair look to
continue the team's lofty presence at the top of the premier class of
the sport on the works RM-Z450 machinery. 

Desalle
is recovering after a recent shoulder operation and should be fully fit
ahead of a full winter of preparation and training for what will be his
third attempt at the MX1 crown. The 22 year old has finished in the top
three of the World Championship standings for the last three seasons
and led six of the first seven rounds of the 2011 campaign, winning four
races in total. 

"Of
course I'm happy to be with the team for another year, we work very
well together and that has shown in the results since we started in
2010," said Desalle. "I already made my decision some time ago and I
have a great feeling with the RM-Z450 so there was not much difficulty
in thinking about 2012. We have been close to doing something really
good on two occasions now. I want to get fit and get my mind focussed on
2012 as soon as possible." 

Tanel
Leok has been drafted into the team as a second rider and is no
stranger to the bike or the set-up. Leok was granted Joel Smets' factory
motorcycle in 2004 when the young Estonian impressed during the
inaugural MX1 series with a string of outings on the RM250. He used the
RM-Z450 to post his first top-three moto finish in Ireland that year at
19 years of age. Now 26, and having won Grands Prix with two other
brands and taken the Italian TM into the 'Winner's Circle' during 2011,
the hard-charging father of two has a tremendous opportunity. 

"I'm
changing team again but for sure I'm really happy because I am joining
one of the very best in the paddock," he said. "It was a great feeling
to get the offer from Suzuki and it is also special for me because it is
with the company and group that I made my breakthrough. I had some good
results in 2004 at a young age and I can remember how nice that Suzuki
was to race. I have a good chance for next season and it is very
motivating. I cannot wait." 

"We
are pleased that we can finally confirm our two riders for 2012,"
commented Team Owner Sylvain Geboers. "Agreeing another contract with
Clement was our priority because he is one of the very top Grand Prix
riders at the moment and is still so young. We had some bad luck in 2011
but his speed and ability is very clear to see. With Tanel coming on
board we know we are getting a very fast and determined rider and one
that will present a technical challenge for our motorcycles. It will be
an exciting winter of preparation and, I hope, an even better season in
2012. I would also like to convey our thanks to Steve Ramon. Steve won
our last title in 2007 and was part of our roster here for six years.
All of us at Suzuki wish him a full recovery from his injury and we are
grateful for his commitment, results and professionalism in his time
with us."
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