After a weekend off, the FIM
Motocross World Championship continues this weekend with its first return to the Circuito Internazionale Città di Mantova, in Italy, since 2000.
In the premier MX1 class, an injured Josh Coppins saw his perfect start to the season end when Kevin Strijbos took the overall at round three in Portugal, but the pair are likely to face an additional challenge from home star, and class rookie, David Philippaerts this Sunday.
The Red Bull KTM rider won his home round last year in the MX2 class, and clinched his first MX1 podium last time out in Agueda, while team-mate Jonathan Barragan and Strijbos' Suzuki team-mate Steve Ramon are also expected to be in contention.
CAS Honda's Ken de Dycker will also head to Italy with more confidence, after winning the latest round of his home Belgian championship. The Belgian has been fast in the opening round, and also clinched his maiden pole at the opening event in Valkenswaard, but has lacked consistency so far.
While Max Nagl and Philippaerts have been the first MX1 debutants to step onto the podium this season, GPKR's Sebastien Pourcel aims to be the next - and is getting stronger at every race.
Belgian Manuel Priem will race his factory TM in the machine's home round. The Italian manufacturer is working on a new bike with an aluminium frame, which will be ready by the Grand Prix of Sweden.
Fellow Italian manufacturer Aprilia will see Cedric Melotte's comeback this weekend, with the Belgian joining team-mate Alessio Chiodi on the v-twin. In the points standings, Aprilia and another Italian manufacturer WRM, ridden by Cristian Beggi, are currently level on two points.
In the MX2 class, an ultra-motivated Antonio Cairoli heads to his home GP with the status of series leader, and winner of all the three events so far. Toni has been in incredible form, mounting stunning back-to-front charges to repeatedly thwart reigning champion Christophe Pourcel. Meanwhile, KTM's Tyla Rattray has been losing ground and will be looking for victory in Mantova.
A lot of work has been carried out on the sandy Italian track, that was designed with the cooperation of former world champion Michele Rinaldi and inaugurated in 1982.
