After two rain-hit rounds to start the season, the Motocross world championship expects better conditions this weekend in Portugal, where the off-road stars are returning after a three year absence.
Home of several 125, 500 and 250cc events in the past, the Agueda circuit entertained its last GP in 2000, but the local promoter has convinced the FIM and Youthstream to return with a completely re-modified track.
For the first time in more than a decade, the first three races of the season have taken place in three weeks and - with the return of the two moto format - there’s no real time for testing, recovering from injuries or trying to resolve technical problems.
As such, all will naturally be aiming to secure as many points as possible this weekend, but aware that they can then utilise the two week break before the fourth and fifth events of the season, at Valkenswaard and Teutschenthal (on consecutive weekends) to develop their machines further and recover full fitness.
Despite some physical troubles – including rib, back and thumb damaged – reigning world champion Stefan Everts now leads the premier MX1 class, replacing his new factory Yamaha team-mate Cedric Melotte.
The Belgium star gained his first GP victory of the season in Spain, winning both races after good starts on a slippery track. Stefan has already a good advantage on his usual rivals, Joel Smets and Mickael Pichon who are currently sixth and ninth in the championship; Smets didn’t have so much time to prepare the season due to a damaged knee, and still needs to get used to the new 450 Suzuki, while Pichon returned to racing only one month ago after his six months injury absence.
