Monster Energy Yamaha’s 2011 MX1-GP team will be heading to Italy this weekend for the Starcross International in Mantova. The Monster Energy team will see 2008 World Champion David Philippaerts, Anthony Boissiere, and Steven Frossard take to the track aboard the YZ450FM.
“It has been a good winter, said Philippaerts. "I spent two weeks in the mountains doing some training at high altitude and then almost three weeks in Sardinia where I was able to ride every day because the weather was so good. At the moment I am working very hard by running and cycling everyday but Mantova is coming close and I’m happy for that because the races will then begin and the calendar becomes busy.”
The Starcross International is the first pre-season event for the MX1 and MX2 seasons, and will give riders a chance to test out their machines and to scope out the competition.
“I have a new mechanic for 2011, an Italian who used to work for one of the Yamaha GP teams and who I know well, so that is something very positive and our tests have left me happy in terms of the performance and the strength of the bike,” Philippaerts added. “We have two days of engine tests planned for Tuesday and Wednesday this week and we will have even more information.”
Frossard has also been training hard during the off-season. Frossard spent most of his time in Belgium, but also did some training in France. Frossard trained with MX2-GP rider Gautier Paulin in Valence, and is now ready to test out his 450 Yamaha at the Starcross International track.
Boissiere is also excited for the 2011 season to begin. Boissiere will be part of the Gariboldi faction of the Yamaha team, the brand that helped him take his first MX win in 2005.
“I was resting with an injured wrist in December but once I felt better then I was able to train hard in the south of France where the weather was more reliable than being in Belgium,” said Boissiere. “I have been riding the Yamaha a lot and I feel good on the bike. The engine is crazy; it is so strong, so I’m happy for that. I have found a very professional and passionate team with the Gariboldi guys and my mechanic is very good, so we are set for a good season.
“We start in Mantova this week and then ride the Italian Championship with all four rounds before the first Grand Prix. In terms of the world championship my only goal is to give the best of myself and I am working hard to get good results.”
