Monster Energy Yamahas Gautier Paulin stepped up to
the premier MX1-GP class in fine style by taking the powerful and agile
factory YZ450FM to victory at a sizzling Fermo and the Grand Prix of
Italy. The final round of fifteen in the FIM Motocross World
Championship was played out in front of 18,000 spectators and across the
steep and hard-pack track on the Adriatic coast, south of Ancona.
Paulin, riding the works machine of Steven Frossard
after the Frenchman was forced to miss the meeting due to a chest
infection, made his debut in the category and assisted Frossards
confirmation of the runner-up spot in the MX1-GP standings; a fantastic
achievement for number 183 in his rookie season.
At Fermo, Paulin gelled immediately with the works
machine and confidently notched pole position on Saturday to grab the
inside gate. Two decent starts helped towards his race performances and
the first moto was outstanding as the 21 year old edged a four second
lead by the second lap and controlled the full distance. In the second
affair he enjoyed a close battle with Christophe Pourcel and set the
fastest circulation of the race on lap ten as he pushed into the lead.
With a guaranteed overall win in his sights and across an increasingly
rough track Paulin elected not to take too many risks and made sure of
the spoils with an assured runner-up place behind Pourcel.
For the second Grand Prix in a row Anthony Boissiere
was one of the protagonists in the mid top ten and was sixth overall
with results of fifth and seventh. The Frenchman was particularly active
in the first race where he barrelled through tussles with Davide
Guarneri, Evgeny Bobryshev and Christophe Pourcel to reach the top five.
He paid the price a little for his exertions in the second moto and
tired slightly but it was still a bright finish to the season for the
Monster Energy Yamaha man.
Carlos Campano embarked on his last ride in the
Monster Energy Yamaha set-up but his day was ruined with a first moto
fall that left him with a painful left wrist. He was forced out of the
second race despite a brave attempt to grab some points.
After fifteen rounds in fourteen countries the FIM
Motocross World Championship has come to a close and with Frossard in
second position Yamaha have managed to secure the runner-up position in
the Manufacturers standings. David Philippaerts unfortunately was on the
sidelines since round eleven and ends the year in ninth place. Carlos
Campano finishes nineteenth in the standings while Anthony Boissiere,
after his strong rally in the closing races, has taken thirteenth.
Steven Frossard will undergo a scan on his chest on
Monday (12th) and will make a decision over his fitness to represent his
country at the 65th Motocross of Nations next week at St Jean DAngely.
Campano hopes to fly the flag for Spain and Arnaud Tonus will steer a
YZ450F for Switzerland.
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Gautier Paulin, 1st:
For sure I am really happy and I didnt really know
what I could expect for my first MX1 GP. In the first race I made the
holeshot and was on my own so I sent my rhythm and just rode out the
moto. In the second it was really good fun to race with Christophe and
we passed each other but the track was getting harder and harder with
more bumps; normally it is smoother for the MX2 motos. It was my first
race on the 450 and I knew I was winning the grand prix so I did not
want to go crazy. I was riding safe. With Monster Energy Yamaha we did
something special today.
Anthony Boissiere, 6th:
It was a good result again and I am very happy. I
feel really good on the bike now, already for the last three races, and I
am only sad that it is towards the end of the season. Fifth place in
the first moto was great after a bad start but I felt a little bit tired
in the second. I had another bad start but the riding was OK. Overall
it was a good weekend.
Carlos Campano, 28th:
It was a hard day and not really the way I wanted to
finish the season. I want to thank the team though because with this
bike it was like a step forward for me. I could start with the front
guys and race with people who have won motos this year. It gives you
confidence to be able to show what you know you are capable of. I hope
the wrist will be OK for the Nations next week. I think it should be.
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