Following a seven-week break the Enduro World Championship returns to competitive action this coming weekend where the Husqvarna CH Racing Team will be looking to fight for the victory at the GP of Spain.
Hoping to build on his strong start to the season, where he claimed three runner-up results from the opening two rounds of the series in South America, Finland’s Juha Salminen enters Spain second overall in the Enduro 1 class. Sitting 18 points adrift of his championship rival Antoine Meo, Salminen knows that the third round of the championship will be all-important as he focuses in on reducing the points deficit to Meo.
Proving fast but at times unlucky on the tracks of South America, the eight-time world champion certainly has the speed to secure a place on the top step of the podium in Spain. With good fortune on his side, the Finn is ready to win.
After a solid start to his season, Finland’s Matti Seistola sits third overall in the Enduro 1 championship, only four points behind his teammate Salminen. Claiming a healthy 3-4-3-3 scorecard during the first four days of the season, Seistola has started his year in strong form, and looks to continue his progress this weekend as a rider who favours the hard, dry and dusty conditions like those expected at the GP of Spain, the Husqvarna rider is highly motivated to bridge the gap to his two leading classmates.
In the Enduro 2 category, Spain’s Lorenzo Santolino is looking forward to his home GP in Puerto Lumbreras. Currently ninth overall in the extremely competitive E2 class, Santolino will be eager to use his home support to improve his position.
Despite making his debut EWC appearance in South America, Australian Matt Phillips immediately made his presence felt. Contesting the Enduro Junior class, 19-year-old Phillips quickly secured his first ever world championship podium result by placing third overall on day two in Chile. One week later Phillips continued to improve. Excelling in the hot and humid conditions in Argentina, the Husqvarna rider recorded a stunning victory on day one to firmly establish himself as one of the top riders in his class. Now second overall in the championship, Phillips has his sights set on further success in Spain.
With temperatures expected to soar in Puerto Lumbreras, and with riders facing two tough and demanding days of competition, the GP of Spain is set to serve up some exciting racing.