Coppins to make Grand Prix bow with Monster Energy Yamaha

Wednesday 05 September: The secret's out, Josh Coppins will ride for the Monster Energy Yamaha factory team in the last two GPs.

Monster Energy Yamaha are thrilled to be able to announce that their former rider

and Grand Prix star Josh Coppins will be joining the Rinaldi-led division of the team for the upcoming FIM Motocross World Championship events in Italy (Faenza) this weekend and Germany (Teutschenthal) on September 23rd. The New Zealander and 2012 Australian Motocross Champion will make his final appearances at the top level after recently declaring he intends to retire at the end of the current racing term.

Coppins will swing his leg over the factory YZ450FM and re-join his old team-members with whom he worked from 2007 to 2009 (winning seven GPs) and came so close to clinching the ‘07 MX1 title. The 35 year old is already familiar with the latest Yamaha YZ450F after completing a consistent and victorious Australian campaign, one of the toughest national motocross series in the world.

The Kiwi returned to his home in 2010 after more than fifteen years in Europe but has been lured back to the Monster Energy Yamaha factory set-up to partner Shaun Simpson in the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The German Grand Prix takes place just one week before the 66th Motocross of Nations where he will represent his country once more.

"After winning in Australia it was great to have the opportunity to properly close the book by coming back to one of the most professional teams I’ve worked with in Grand Prix racing,” said Coppins who won the 2008 GP at Teutschenthal with a convincing double moto triumph. "Obviously I’m used to the Yamaha and posted good results with the bike this season and it will be fantastic to get on the factory bike in Monster Energy colours and tackle these events again with Michele, Fabio and Mino and the guys.”

"There are no expectations,” he added. "I just want to go out and show there is still gas in the tank and give a good account of myself and the team. It will be good preparation for the Nations in Belgium and overall a nice way to finish a long career.”