Only one day before the start of the 2013 Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship, let’s take a look to rumors and news from the paddock…
Arrival
Since Tuesday, every EWC European protagonists (61 riders) are in the “Mall Plaza Maule” in Talca, the paddock place. Mechanics and Managers had a lot of work from Wednesday morning, getting back their boxes and preparing the bikes before Friday’s technical inspection. On their side, just arrived, the riders went to recognize the special test with a stifling heat to be ready for KTM Super Test on Friday evening. We feel the pressure growing while we are just a day before the start.
Acerbis
During this Grand Prix of Chile sponsored by Acerbis, Franco ACERBIS, iconic boss of the Italian brand, will be present this weekend. Accompanied by South America responsible Roberto SCHENA, he will attend to the first round of the season and Talcaand will have the opportunity to watch the Chilean fervor for the Enduro.
Surgery
The Championship hasn’t started yet that the surgery is already full. Indeed, Mathias BELLINO (F – Husaberg)will not take part to the South American tour. The 2012 World Champion wasn’t 100% ready after his wrist surgery and he seriously injured a finger during last training. Jérémy TARROUX (F – Sherco), shoulder surgery, and Kevin ROHMER (F – Yam), injured during the 2012 ISDE, will be also absent. We wish them a fast recovery and to see them back on a bike for the Iberia tour.
KTM Super Test
As last year, the first KTM Super Test of the season will take place in the heart of Talca, in regional gymnasium. Shorter than last year, the track will be surrounded by tribunes and that must give to the first Special Test more span and fervor. See you tomorrow at 19.00 in the Regional Gymnasium in Talca.
Nicolas URRUTIA
Last year, Nicolas URRUTIA (CL – Yam)has impressed his people by clinching nice places in the E1 Top 15 during each race day where he was fighting with riders as Antti HELLSTEN (SF) or Lorenzo SANTOLINO (E – HVA). This season, the rider aged of 35 years old, makes his come back on the EWC once again on the handlebar of a Yamaha in E1 and is looking to make big noise. We remind you that URRUTIAis the emblematic captain of Chile team in the ISDE and he is 5 times Chilean Enduro Champion.
Johansson MPE
One year ago, Johansson MPEand its manager Joakim JOHANSSON couldn’t take part to this tour out of Europe. But this year, the Swedish team is present and has engaged its three male riders. Indeed, French Jérémy JOLY (Honda)will ride in E1 category, while convalescent Marko TARKKALA (SF – Honda) will compete in E3 and young Australian prospect Mitcham HARPER (Honda) in the Junior class.
Good new
Finally, Jonathan MANZI (I – KTM)will be in Talca. Indeed, for a long time announced as the big loser of this start of the season in the Junior class, from a probable absence during the South American tour, the Italian will be finally here. MANZIwill have his word to say this weekend the Junior World title race in which he is one of the favourite.
CMBelometti
2012 has been disappointing and frustrating for Alex BELOMETTI (I). While he tried the experience with Bordone Ferrari as manager, the team had some economic problems. But in 2013, the Italian has decided to do it his own way and has created his own team equipped of Yamaha: the CMBelometti Racing team is born. Proof of his will and relations, and with the help of his friend Walter FORTICHIARI back on the EWC, he has engaged two riders: Edoardo D’AMBROSIO (I)and Nicholas PICCININI. Good luck to this highly motivated and already experienced new team.
Story of family…
To the occasion of this first Grand Prix of the season, not less than four brotherhoods will compete. As last year, the ISRAEL’s brothers (Honda), Benjaminand Vicente, stars in their country, will take the start on the Enduro 2 class. The CAIMI’s brothers (KTM) will be also here. Francowill compete in E2 while Stefanowill have to fight with the best Junior riders. We’ll have also to count on the BENAVIDESbrothers (KTM) whose Kevin, the most known in the paddock, will make his great debut in Seniors (E2) while we will discover his brother Lucianoin the FIM Youth Cup 125cc. Finally, Benjamin HERRERA (TM), the Chilean pearl from Talca will be a very serious client in the FIM Youth Cup 125cc, and this season, he brings with him his brother Diego (TM) in the same class.
Chica Maxxis
As last year, the Chicas Maxxis will attend this first round. One year ago, the main sponsor of the Championship sent four of its most beautiful hostesses. This year, Patricio ESTEFFAN, MaxxisChilean importer with the Neumaredfirm, has decided to come with six of the best delegate of the tire brand from Taiwan. And once again, the Chilean importer will organize on Friday night after the KTM Super Test a diner that will gather many riders and officials of the EWC in coordination with the FMC and his new president Jose Tomas DIAZ.