Steven Frossard 2013 continue with Monster Energy Yamaha MX1-GP

Monster Energy Yamaha will again count on the speed and determination of 2011 FIM MX1-GP Motocross World Championship runner-up Steven Frossard for the 2013 campaign set to start next March. The factory team today unveiled the 25 year old Frenchman as the first fixed part of the rider roster for next year.

Frossard set the premier class alight with two Grands Prix victories and second place overall in his debut season in MX1-GP in 2011; also his first on the potent works YZ450FM. Number ‘183’ also claimed Italian championship titles in 2011 and earlier this year. The current GP term started in positive fashion with a podium finish at the opening round in Holland but an incident during the qualification heat in Bulgaria for round two led to right knee ligament damage. Frossard attempted to continue racing but finally opted for surgery in June with a view to full fitness and a strong attempt at the 2013 crown.

Frossard grabs British Grand Prix podium

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Steven Frossard finished third overall a well-received Matterley Basin for the Grand Prix of Great Britain and the thirteenth stop of fifteen on the FIM Motocross World Championship schedule. The Frenchman posted his sixth podium result on the factory YZ450FM and has moved up to second position in the MX1-GP standings in what is just his first term in the category and his first as part of the decorated works set-up.

The weekend began well for the team with Frossard feeling comfortable on the excellent racing surface in southern England. The 24 year old fought with Christophe Pourcel for pole position across the spectacular jumps and carved, soft mud that permitted different, grippy line choice before settling for second position without risk in the final two laps.

Paulin back on the box with 3rd at Matterley Basin

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Gautier Paulin guided the factory prototype YZ250FM to third overall at a crowded and sunny Matterley Basin for the Grand Prix of Great Britain and the thirteenth outing of fifteen in the FIM Motocross World Championship. The Frenchman racked-up his seventh podium finish in the MX2 division in front of 26,500 spectators and across one of the best tracks this year.
Matterley offered the grip, lines and hefty jumps amidst a wide and open layout for the riders to enjoy and express themselves and the paddock were mostly unanimous in their praise of the massive facility.

Stewart on the podium at Indianapolis

James Stewart returned to the AMA SX podium last weekend after his recent misfortune in Daytona and took second place at the tenth round of seventeen held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis packed with more than 60,000 spectators.
The San Manuel Yamaha rider guided his YZ450F through the field after a poor start and some inconsistent laps in the opening phases of the main event. He was able to overtake rival Chad Reed for second place but then faced an insurmountable distance to Ryan Villopoto who would go on to win by six seconds. The Floridian now faces a home meeting next Saturday.

"It's really frustrating because I know I can win but I'm just not winning right now,” he said. “Something always happens. It'll make a big difference next weekend to sleep in my own bed before the race, so hopefully I can put it all back together in Jacksonville.

Stewart fourth after dramatic Atlanta SX

San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart finished 4th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta after an exciting and frantic eighth round of seventeen in the AMA Supercross series (also an FIM World Championship). The Floridian engaged in a fight for the win with Chad Reed throughout the twenty lap main event watched by over 69,000 spectators and a thrilling finale was denied on the final circulation when the two collided and crashed trying for the same line and both Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey were able to capitalize.

Stewart and Reed were clearly the fastest competitors around a tight course inside the Atlanta venue for the first meeting away from the west coast of the country. Both were vying for track space with small mistakes limiting their capacity to make a break away. Stewart moved past the Australian with one lap remaining but Reed hounded the back of the YZ450F and attempted an aggressive block pass

Stewart back on top with Phoenix success

San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart toasted his first supercross victory in more than twelve months as he rode superbly on his YZ450F to win the second round of seventeen in the AMA Supecross series (also an FIM World Championship) at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

The 25 year old erased the painful memories of the same event in 2010 where he fractured his scaphoid and ultimately was forced to the sidelines for the rest of the campaign. Stewart also had to overcome his nerves, a factor that led to a small crash during the heat race prior to the main event.

David Philippaerts and Tony Cairoli not at Motocross of Nations

Yamaha Motor Europe and KTM Sport Motorcycles were disappointed to learn of the press release on Saturday 7th August by the Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) revealing that Yamaha Monster Energy Motocross Team's David Philippaerts and Red Bull KTM's Tony Cairoli have been unable to be considered for the final selection for the team due to certain conditions to represent their country in the 2010 Motocross of Nations at Thunder Valley in Colorado on September 26th.

After discussions with the Italian Federation, in which Yamaha Motor Europe and KTM Sport Motorcycles were willing and fully open for negotiation regarding representation on the official Italian team jersey, we were disappointed to learn that 2008 MX1-GP World Champion Philippaerts and reigning MX1-GP World Champion Cairoli (presently 3rd and 1st in the 2010 standings respectively) were eliminated from the final short-list.