LS Honda Racing is delighted to announce that Jonathan Barragan will join the team for their 2012 FIM MX1 World Championship campaign, replacing Scot Shaun Simpson. The 26-year old is Spain’s greatest ever motocross hero. Jonathan has six MX1 GP wins under his belt and boasts three Spanish MX1 titles. In 2011 he collected two podium finishes and finished the GP season eighth overall.
Belgian star Ken De Dycker, 27, will be back on the CRF450R for another assault on the pinnacle of motocross racing. Ken is a former German and British MX1 champ who previously racked up five MX1 GP victories. With De Dycker and Barragan the Honda Europe supported squad of team owner Steven Lettani presents their strongest rider line-up ever!
The formidable combination between the Belgian outfit and Honda will enter its fourth season in the MX1 GP class. Providing two hungry riders with the best possible tools, LS Honda Racing is determined to add some more silverware to their trophy cabinet in 2012. Jonathan Barragan previously proved to be a serious title contender, while Keeno finished as high as third in the world championship three years ago.
Jonathan Barragan: “I believe that in racing you’re only as good as your last race. Last year I had my thigh injury and 2011 was okay but it didn’t bring the results I know I wanted. I don’t want to dwell on 2008 and 2009 when I was very fast. In fact, it’s the other way around – I’m looking forward and I’m ready to rebuild. Going back to a young and ambitious team might look like taking a step back for a factory rider but I’m fine with that.
“This is not about ego, it’s about getting results. As a kid I was looking up to Honda riders like Jeremy McGrath and Stefan Everts so it’s great finally to ride red! I was looking for a new motivation in my career and LS Honda perfectly compliments my feeling. We share the same goals. Next season I want to make a point in GPs and defend my Spanish MX1 title.”
Ken De Dycker:”I’m very happy to continue with LS Honda Racing for several reasons. The 2011 season is one to forget as quickly as possible. I had some unlucky injuries and I got sidelined after the Czech GP. After that all of my focus shifted to the new season. We have been testing some new parts and I made a strong comeback to racing at the final Belgian championship round in Mont-Saint Guibert. It felt really good to win again, enjoy myself and to know that I can get back to my very best level. I’m willing to put in the hard work and so is the team. We’ve learned from each other and it’s inspiring to have that continuity that I didn’t have in the past seasons.”
Roger Harvey, Honda Motor Europe Off-road Racing Manager: “We are pleased to continue with LS Honda Racing as our support team in the FIM MX1 World Championship. It’s great to have Ken with us again because I’m sure that with a little more luck he can be where we expect him to be – at the front of GP action. To see Jonathan on Honda will be very interesting. Clearly he struggled a little bit this year. I believe that he can turn this around and produce the results that he and LS Honda Racing are capable of. Jonathan is no rookie obviously but still he could be one of the surprise packages of the 2012 season!”
