The 2008 MX1 and MX2 Motocross World Championships enter the second half of the season this weekend, when Teutschenthal hosts the Grand Prix of Germany, round eight of 15.

In only his second season in the class, David Philippaerts continues to lead the MX1 points standings, although a poor weekend last time out in France means the Monster Yamaha rider is now only six points clear of reigning world champion Steve Ramon.

Ramon, who took the title without a grand prix victory last season, has enjoyed a much stronger first half of the championship than one year ago and will be hoping to raise his game further and pull off a shock title defence.

Josh Coppins, who led much of last season's championship until suffering a shoulder injury, is now up to third in the points and 19 behind team-mate Philippaerts. After a modest start to the season, the Kiwi should now be considered a firm title contender as he also seeks to secure a frontline 2009 ride.

GPKR's Sebastien Pourcel won both motos in France to claim his second GP win of 2008 and move up to fourth in the Championship, with Ramon's Teka Suzuki team-mate Ken de Dycker sitting fifth after leading the title chase early on.

AXO KTM Silver Action's Jonathan Barragan is working his way up through the points standings, where he currently sits in sixth ahead of Max Nagl - who will be out to impress the home fans this weekend with a podium return.

In the MX2 class, Tommy Searle is on top of the championship standings courtesy of his French victory. The Brit will start this weekend's event with a slender four point lead over team-mate Tyla Rattray, with reigning champion Toni Cairoli looking to bounce back from points lost after suffering a broken fuel tank at turn one of race one in France.