The 2007 Motocross World Championship leaves Europe for the first time this season, with the Japanese circuit of Sugo set to host round six this Sunday.
In the premier MX1 class, Yamaha's Josh Coppins continues to hold a commanding lead over Suzuki's Kevin Strijbos - but the class rookies are starting to make their presence increasingly felt, culminating in a debut victory for KTM's Davide Philippaerts last time out in Germany.
Those three are the only grand prix winners so far this season, but Strijbos' team-mate Steve Ramon and CAS Honda's Ken de Dycker are likely to also be battling at the front on Sunday, although with GPKR rookie Sebastien Pourcel.
But another MX1 fresher can pose the biggest threat; double Japanese MX2 GP winner Billy Mackenzie will be hoping to continue his impressive Sugo record on a 450, while KTM’s Jonathan Barragan will be seeking a much needed return to form.
Two of the best Japanese Motocrossers, Yamaha’s Akira Narita and HRC’s Yoshitaka Atsuta, will also be present to test their skills against the world championship regulars.
In the MX2 class Antonio Cairoli, unbeaten so far this year, will be hoping to further impress Yamaha's Japanese bosses by winning their home race, but defending champion Christophe Pourcel is increasing anxious to stop the Italian.
Also heading to Sugo with victory intentions will be KTM
Red Bull's Tyla Rattray, winner in 2005, and his young team-mate Tommy Searle.
A lot of work was carried out on the Sugo Motocross circuit for 2005, when the world championship returned to the venue, and since then Sugo has been one of the best organised events on the calendar; with many racing lines available on the wide but compact track and excellent dirt quality.
