The efforts of Joshua Coppins, Antonio Cairoli and Yves Demaria in the FIM MX1, MX2 and MX3 Championship respectively have ensured a fantastic start to the international off-road racing calendar for Yamaha; with the manufacturer leading the standings of each series and remaining unbeaten in the two Grand Prix run so far in MX1 and MX2.
The Yamaha Motocross Team, reigning champions in the MX1 class, has extended their run of victories to 16 Grand Prix from the last 17 run over the past twelve months. New signing for 2007, Joshua Coppins, has gelled immediately with the YZ450FM and has won three of four motos in total, contested in Holland and Spain last weekend; climbing the top step of the overall rostrum on both occasions. The 30 year old New Zealander has shown an impressive rate of speed in sand and also muddy conditions at Bellpuig on Sunday, and is currently fulfilling many pre-season predictions that the Kiwi is number one favourite for the ’07 title.
The Rinaldi-helmed crew are chasing their seventh championship this century and Team Manager Carlo is pleased with the progress thus far: “Josh was steady in the sand and stayed consistent in difficult conditions on Sunday; this was the best we could have expected from him. Josh believes in himself so much and is very motivated and focussed; we trust that we can have a very good season with him. ”
Coppins’ achievements on the eve of entering the third round of fifteen at the Agueda circuit for the Grand Prix of Portugal this weekend have only been matched by the flamboyant and incredibly popular Antonio Cairoli in the MX2 competition. The exciting Sicilian – steering the potent YZ250F for Team De Carli Yamaha – has also won three from four motos and is undefeated in terms of GP wins.
The 21 year old has raised his career tally of successes to 12 with a dominant set of victories at Valkenswaard two weeks ago and then sensationally beating Christophe Pourcel by passing the Champion on the last lap in Spain. “I am really happy with how things have been going, ” the 2005 World Champ commented, “and I want to try and continue in this way. I know I have to be consistent for the championship and not repeat the mistakes I made last year. I am in good shape and the team is working very hard; we are heading in a good direction. ”
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