Pocock, Desprey and Ferris confirmed for Monster Energy Yamaha MX2-GP in 2013
Tuesday 30 October: The firm emphasis on exciting youth and promising talent is bolstered by the addition of French teenager Maxime Desprey alongside the duo in the Steve Dixon-run division of the squad.
Monster Energy Yamaha are pleased to announce that 2012 European
Champion Mel Pocock has been confirmed to represent the factory team in
the 2013 FIM Motocross World Championship in the MX2-GP class on Yamaha
YZ250F Cosworth technology and will race alongside new Australian
signing Dean Ferris.
Pocock originally completed a Grand Prix season for Dixon in 2010 as a
rookie. It was a tough learning experience but helped towards the
English racer’s evolution into the strong and confident professional
seen in the paddock today. The starlet emphatically clinched the 2012
European MX2 Championship – the high profile feeder series to Grand Prix
– with a fantastic six wins from seven rounds in September and only
narrowly missed out on an impressive ‘double’ by taking the eight-round
British MX2 Championship to the very last moto several weeks ago.
Pocock also impressed on several MX2-GP substitute
appearances in 2012 where his speed was enough to place him in
contention for top ten results. "It is a dream,” the twenty year old
revealed on his new deal. "When I came here a few years ago I didn’t
think I would be signing up for a ride like this and to be ‘factory’. I
think I have it in me now to deliver. I am older, more mature and I want
to be a part of the front group in the world championship next year.
That is my objective and I think I can do it.”
After Grand Prix outings in the last two years in
the MX1 class (and two top four finishes in the fierce Australian
Championship) determined Aussie Dean Ferris is a bold acquisition for
the team in MX2 where he remains eligible thanks to his 22 years.
"Obviously I’m super-excited to be a Monster Energy Yamaha rider and
this is the best ride I have had so far with a very good and established
team,” he said. "I know the YZ250F is very competitive and I feel like I
have a great chance to show what I can do in 2013. I know a bit about
the Dixon-led team having been part of the GP paddock and also with
people like Andrew McFarlane having raced and won for them. I am fully
recovered from the shoulder problem I had earlier this year and I’m
raring to go.”
Maxime Desprey was one of Pocock’s rivals on the
European season this year and was actually the first rider to beat the eventual
champion when he ended Pocock’s six moto winning streak across the hills of
Loket for the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic. He then defeated Pocock in both
motos at the British Grand Prix several weeks later and was heading for a
decent finale to the series when a broken collarbone ruled him out with one
meeting remaining. Desprey – another of the stylish and rapid motocross racers
to emerge from France in the last decade – is a former junior motocross and
supercross national champion and after two years turning heads at European
level is now ready for the jump to MX2-GP.
"This is a great opportunity for me and the team and
the bike are both proven, and it’s that sort of quality that gives you
confidence as a racer,” the nineteen year old commented. "I can’t wait to get
started as a Monster Energy Yamaha rider and next season cannot come along
quick enough.”
"It’s nice to have these
exciting riders onboard for next season as MX2 continues to become a category
where we are seeing the cream of youngsters around the world rise to the top,”
said Steve Dixon. "We had a great season with Mel and the rate of his
development has shown what hard work and the right attitude can do. I see no
reason why he cannot aim for a top six finish in MX2. Through the European
campaign we have come to learn more about Maxime and he is another prospect we
are happy to work with and Dean and brings some valuable experience from MX1
and from leading the Australian Championship. Overall I think we can be very
optimistic of what we can do and show in 2013 both through the riders and our
machinery that will again be very competitive. We want to add to our growing
list of Grand Prix winners and on a personal note I’m already looking forward
to my twenty-fourth Grand Prix year with a novel calendar and through the
enthusiasm we have through the team.”
Credit copy and images Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.