Widely considered the home of motocross, the immensely popular venue of Matterley Basin here in dear old Blighty welcomes the MXGP paddock for round eight of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend.
For Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev, it’s an adopted home race of sorts. The feisty Russian will feel right at home having spent a year in England during his breakthrough MX1 campaign in 2010 in which he took the British Motocross Championship crown with Honda.
Bobby’s return to a full training routine between Grands Prix, coupled with a track at which he recorded two fourth-place finishes last year, is expected to build upon the pace he showed during the MXGP of Spain last time out. The fast track and intimidating jumps should suit Bobby’s aggressive style aboard his Honda CRF450RW.
“I know the Matterley track well since my first time there at the Motocross of Nations,” says Bobryshev. “I like this kind of track – it has good jumps and good speed. Last year I had good results so it’s a good feeling looking back at that. I’m looking forward to this weekend, although I hope there’s no rain as when it’s too wet it’s really difficult in the mud because you have about 50kg more on your bike.
“I’ve been riding with the team in Italy and doing more work with my fitness trainer, working hard every day. I’m feeling better but my back still gives me a little pain, although it’s not stopping me training so I’m happy these last days – I’ve put a lot of time on the bike and I’m feeling stronger.
Bobryshev added: “I always like to come to England as I spent a lot of time there in 2010 and had a lot of fun with good memories. The fans always give crazy support, as hard as they can, so it’s always fun and there’s a good atmosphere.”
Team HRC’s Max Nagl is continuing to make good progress in his recovery but, as expected, will not be present this weekend on his #12 machine. Having started light training, the German’s on track to meet his targeted return at the MXGP of Italy on June 14-15.
Heavy showers are expected to play a significant part in the weekend and temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Celsius will offer a stark contrast to Spain a fortnight ago.
Roger Harvey commented: “The British GP is held earlier this year than it has been previously. As everybody knows the weather can be a bit sketchy at this time of year so we’ve got to keep an open mind as far as that is concerned, although at the moment in the UK it’s looking good.
“The track won’t be much changed since previous years. It’s fast and flowing, and there are some spectacular jumps so it should be spectacular for the public. Bobby likes the track, and has spent a lot of time racing in the UK so for him it’s almost like a home race. He ran pretty well there last year, when he was just getting back to fitness, and he’s just getting back to fitness now this year so we’re hoping to see some good results again.”
