The full line-up across European and World categories for Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe will gather this weekend at the renowned Matterley Basin circuit for the British Grand Prix and the penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
The enormous circuit in the south of England will entertain the second-ever MXGP Festival with 11 classes and hundreds of riders expected to travel to Matterley for a four day racing programme beginning today (Thursday).
The team will see their riders on RM85, RM125 and RM-Z250 technology in European 85, EMX125 and EMX250 competitions with Max Anstie leading the line in the MX2 Grand Prix contest. The event is clearly a special one for the Briton, in front of friends, family and fans, and with his fondness for Matterley followed by a trip into the sand of Lierop two weeks later – scene of his 2012 podium finish – two promising meetings (and potentially a Motocross of Nations appearance) will bring his campaign to a close.
“All the British flags and fans, plus one of the best tracks of the season; what is there not to like?” he said. “I hope it gets nice and rutty with lots of line so we can move about. I always look forward to it and this time I need to try and make the best of it in the first few corners. All I want to do is put myself in a good position at the start and the rest will come and I will get around that track as fast as I can like every weekend. My riding is strong and I am definitely showing these boys how to do some passing at the moment!”
Brian Hsu scored his first podium finish last weekend in Belgium in EMX125 and now has the confidence to push for more silverware while Jeremy Seewer will be back in the confines of EMX250 where he is chasing fellow Swiss Valentin Guillod for the title. Jorge Zaragoza will also be active in the same division. With the shape of Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe almost formed for 2014, an announcement on the roster and objectives for next season will be made post-Matterley and will not feature Anstie who is heading for pastures new come the end of next month.
“I’d like to thank Max for this season because of his professionalism and dedication,” commented Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher. “We have two races left and I really hope we can get that podium that we have been fighting and hoping for. The year had some up-and-down moments and not much in the way of good luck. I think we both expected more from 2013 but it didn’t work out. We now have a big weekend ahead of us and then want to close the season and the ‘Nations in the best way possible.”
Matterley Basin has been the home for British motocross for the past three seasons and site of the MXGP Festival behemoth since 2012. The layout weaves in and out of a large natural ‘dip’ affording good views for the fans and a decent racing track for the riders. The long-term weather forecast predicts warm but changeable conditions with the chance of some rain on Saturday.
