Round five of the 2004 FIM Motocross world championship will take place this weekend in Teutschenthal, in what was formerly East Germany.
Although Sunday will be only the tenth time that the Talkessel track has hosted the meeting. The GP has subsequently been a regular visitor at the venue from 1998 and entertained triple events since 2001.
One week after the Dutch Grand Prix on the sandy track of Valkenswaard, the riders will find a completely different circuit as the German is hard-pack. It’s one of the nicest tracks of the series according to many and it usually boasts one of the biggest attendances of the season even if this year the fans will not witness former star Pit Beirer in action.
Winners last week and both leaders of their class Stefan Everts and Ben Townley will look for another top result this weekend, but it could be more difficult for them as the track offers a different test.
Nevertheless, with four heats and two GP wins in the MX1 class since the beginning of the season Stefan Everts is having a great season so far and has totalled 74 career GP wins.
“I’ve not totally recovered from my thumb and rib injuries but I’ve got pretty good results. I know that the season will be long and I’m sure that I will have some strong opposition in the following weeks so it’s important to score as many points as possible each weekend,” said the Monegasque resident, who into a new apartment this week.
Behind Everts in the points is his factory Yamaha team-mate Cedric Melotte; winner of two heats so far this year, the new father (his girl friend Sarah gave birth to Matteo last Sunday night) has confirmed his talent with a strong mix of speed and consistency.
With Steve Ramon in third, the Belgian riders are monopolising the championship podium, but after a strong opening GP in Zolder the KTM rider has missed the top three at the following rounds and now leads Pichon by only two points.
The Frenchman was unable last weekend to repeat his previous wins in Valkenswaard, and with a fourth position in the GP he lost some ground.
