Earlier today Husqvarna Motorcycles confirmed Christophe Pourcel as the fifth racer of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. Pourcel will compete in the 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series in the 450 class aboard a Husqvarna FC 450, looking to challenge the sport’s top competitors.
“We tested the bike last week and I had a good thing going with Bobby [Hewitt] and Robert Jonas,” said Pourcel. “They made me feel very comfortable with the team. The test of the bike went very good. That is why we made the decision to go this way.
“They believe in me and that was a big part of my decision to join the team. The 450 has always suited me; I’ve been riding a 250 for a long time and I feel it’s best for me to go back to a 450 and compete. I look forward to the opportunity for a future with the team.”
Team Manager, Bobby Hewitt, has worked with some of the industry’s top riders over the past decade and is credited with aiding Jason Anderson in his first AMA pro championship. He too looks forward to the future with Christophe on the team.
“Knowing Christophe had multiple options from other teams for this year’s outdoor series but chose to sign with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing says a great deal about our program and the bike,” he said. “I am very happy to have Christophe join the team and I look forward to the start of the Motocross Season.”
Hailing from France, Christophe Pourcel has many years of racing history in Europe, where he caught the attention of Husqvarna’s Head of Motorsport, Robert Jonas, who commented on the move to hire Pourcel: “I am very happy about our newest enhancement of the US factory racing program. Christophe, former MX2 world champion and two-time 250SX champion, is known as a very talented rider who requires specific treatment but I believe that our team will be qualified to provide what’s needed to make him feel at home in the team and well on the bike.
“He has a very smooth and technical riding style and good skills in how to communicate what he is looking for on his bike setup. We made the deal maybe a little bit at short notice towards the beginning of the outdoor season but I am convinced that he will do very well.”
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ partner, Rockstar Energy, takes the racing endeavour very serious and the move to hire Pourcel is another building block in solidifying the alliance between brands.
“It’s going to be great to add Christophe Pourcel to our already strong lineup for outdoors,” commented Rockstar Energy Marketing Director, Mike Kelso. “We expect some very positive results from him. We know the bike is good and he has had success in motocross in the US in the past.
“This is a strong acquisition for the team moving forward and we can’t wait to see what the future holds! Rockstar Energy Drink is very pleased with Bobby Hewitt’s effort to continue to build for success.”
“We are very excited at Rockstar Energy Drink to welcome Christophe Pourcel to the team,” Rockstar Energy Motocross Manager, James Hanson, explains. “It’s great to be able to solidify our efforts with a second 450 rider along with Jason Anderson, giving us a strong one, two punch.
“Pourcel’s riding style fits a 450 very well and we are anxious to see what he can do with a full outdoor motocross season on the bigger bike. Christophe has always wanted a shot on the 450 but it had to be the right fit. I believe that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing what he has been looking for.”
Since the establishment of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Husqvarna Motorcycles has celebrated success in many major national series, but the brand’s return to AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross remains a major initiative of the company on a global scale.
“We are excited to expand our racing efforts and continue to build our partnership with Rockstar Energy by deciding to bring on Pourcel as an addition to the team,” said Husqvarna Motorcycles North America President, Jon-Erik Burleson. “We have seen already a great first season of Supercross and are anxious to return this iconic brand to AMA Pro Motocross Racing with such a solid team.”
Since the May 2014 announcement of Husqvarna’s return to AMA Pro Racing, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team has been making statements, collecting podiums, and proving the brand’s dedication to the sport. Pourcel will join team-mates Jason Anderson, Zach Bell, Martin Davalos and Zach Osborne in the 2015 outdoor season.
