After the E1 and E2 classes, now it’s the “big guns” category (over 250cc 2T and 450cc 4T). Last year, Christopher NAMBOTIN (F – KTM) flew in the E3 category for his debut with KTM. Now with the title of World Champion, can he succeed and retain it?
The Favourites…
This year, Enduro 3 has lost David KNIGHT (GB – Honda)who prefers E2. The list of riders capable to stop NAMBOT’ is shrinking … and he is the big favourite in this category. Surprises are expected though with the arrival of many “new faces”!
Christophe NAMBOTIN (F – KTM): Without a doubt, the current World Champion is the favourite to succeed. With 12 victories from a possible 14 in 2012, we wonder who can be as fast and as consistent?. It is even rumoured that the KTM rider is looking to make a perfect season with novictory to any of his opponents … Did you say total control?
Christophe NAMBOTIN (F – KTM): Without a doubt, the current World Champion is the favourite to succeed. With 12 victories from a possible 14 in 2012, we wonder who can be as fast and as consistent?. It is even rumoured that the KTM rider is looking to make a perfect season with no victory to any of his opponents … Did you say total control?
Joakim LJUNGGREN (S – Husaberg): Second last year, the Swede continues to improve and has only one thing in mind, winning his first Senior title. A valid NAMBOTINchallenger (when he is not dominating!) “Jocke” wants to find the feeling of winning the title … Is he the most dangerous competitor for Frenchman? Probably thanks to his regularity and his ‘Viking’ physical condition!
Aigar LEOK (EST – TM): The most improved rider in 2012, “The Annoying LEOK” was the only one (as well as David KNIGHT) to be able to take a victory from NAMBOTINand at the same time, claim his own first Grand Prix victory. Steadily improving, one wonders how far the incomparable, Estonian leader of the paddock can go! Can he claim title?
Rodrig THAIN (F – Gas Gas): Coming from being E1 Vice-World Champion, it makes sense that the French have big ambitions to see themselves into in Enduro 3. With his stint with Gas Gas and the arrival in a new category, will it slow down the “Hot Rod” as he takes time to adapt? The initial answers will be during the Grand Prix Acerbis of Chile…
The Outsiders
These riders could create a surprise, challenging the favourites and maybe winning on some days…
Marko TARKKALA (SF – Honda): After a difficult 2012 season with the Beta Factory team the giant Finn joined the Johansson MPE team with the ambition to hang a spot in the Top 5, but a wrist injury that occurred in late January could handicap him at the start of this season… is it too hard to achieve his objectives? The Finnish giant plays big in 2013 under threat of disappearing in the future after several unconvincing seasons.
Fabien PLANET (F – Sherco): The figurehead of the Sherco Factory team gives way to Jérémy TARROUX in E1 and has landed in big bikes riding the new 300cc 2T from the French firm of Nîmes. Without a doubt, “PLANET’ HOLLYWOOD” has the talent and craft to jostle with the favourites and could be the surprise in this category.
Manuel MONNI (I – KTM): The 2012 Rookie of the Year was much talked about late in the season with several places in the Top 5 and a nice 9th final place. With a year of experience, the Italian should aim even higher and try and claim his first EWC podium… He could raise his game and be on the podium at each GP!
Mathias BELLINO (F – Husaberg): 2012 Junior World Champion, BELLINOwill discover this season, the tough law of the senior class. The Husaberg racer will not be 100% ready for the opening round of the Championship after his wrist was operated on last November…but his immense talent and his casualness might well lead to mid-season glory…
Christophe ROBERT (CH – Husaberg): The Swiss surprised everyone last year by improving regularly and climbing to seventh place overall. The Husaberg rider seems able to repeat this performance thanks to his seriousness and motivation.
Marcus KEHR (D – KTM): 8th in 2012, KEHRhas always talent and technique to get closer to the top riders in the category… injured early last season the multiple German champion built on his experience and mental attitude in a pivotal season for him too.
Luis CORREIA (P – Beta): From the Yamaha O.Pons team to Beta Factory team in the offseason, the Portuguese rider should continue to learn Enduro. On land that suits him, CORREIAshould make some good places and his speed is recognised in the paddock. He has a great chance in 2013 and is a major asset of the Tuscany firm.
The Ones Not To Forget…
In the category of “big guns”, we must also recognise the talent of…
Benoit FORTUNATO (F – HM Honda):who had a difficult year of Junior-Senior transition in 2012 by taking only the 12th place overall. Can “Fortu” get back on track this season on a Honda that he says, he is fond of ?
Deny PHILIPPAERTS (I – Beta): Quietly, the Beta Boano rider made a hole in the EWC. 15th in E2 last year and the Italian will attempt to improve his ranking whilst storing some more experience.
But the main question is who can stop Christophe NAMBOTIN in his quest for a second world title? Ultra dominating last year, the KTM rider can aim for a perfect season but undoubtedly LJUNGGREN, LEOKand THAINwill not let him reach his goal so easily and MONNI, BELLINO, PLANET, CORREIA… could shuffle the cards in a category “rejuvenated ” with much more variety than in the past. See you on Friday, March 15th in the evening in Talca (Chile) for the some answers!