After a well-deserved weekend off after Japan, the 2007 Motocross World Championships will be back in action on European soil this weekend for the seventh round of the series at Saint Jean d’Angely, France.
In the premier MX1 class, there have been four winners so far this season - but none of them French. However, rookie Sebastien Pourcel has already taken a podium finish and could well be in contention for what would be an emotional home victory.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old will have to overcome dominant championship leader Josh Coppins to do so. The Kiwi's perfect podium consistency has helped him build a lead of over 60 points - despite the Yamaha star losing the last two GPs.
Under much greater pressure will be under performing Suzuki's team-mates Kevin Strijbos and Steve Ramon - second and third in the points - while KTM's rookie David Philippaerts currently rounds out the top five, having already tasted victory champagne in Teutschenthal.
Another rookie won in Japan in the form of Kawasaki Racing Europe’s Billy Mackenzie, who will be looking to carry his Sugo form this weekend as a fitting tribute to team manager Jan de Groot - whose memory will be honoured with a minute's silence this weekend.
Japan also saw a breakthrough moto win by CAS Honda's Mike Brown and the fast-starting American will be hoping to continue that race long form this weekend.
The full Team Off Road Aprilia line-up will also be back in France where, after an intense period of testing, both Cedric Melotte and Alessio Chiodi will have important evolutions on their MXV machines.
In the MX2 class, the scene is set for a thrilling home battle between former world champion and current series leader Antonio Cairoli and home hero and reigning champion Christophe Pourcel – who only ended the Italian's perfect start to 2007 last time out in Japan.
