This weekend coming sees the 2009 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship reach its mid point with the Grand Prix of Japan marking round four in the eight event series. The incredible Honda motorsport complex known as Twin Ring Motegi will host the third and final two day competition in this year’s championship with the remaining four rounds all consisting of just a single day. The Japanese Grand Prix was introduced as part of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship back in 2000 and has become an important stop on the tour every year since without fail. This year sees the tenth edition of the event which uses the famous pit lane and the surrounding landscape within this unique facility to deliver one of the best rounds of the championship year after year. Dougie Lampkin having recently been recruited by the Montesa HRC squad was the initial victor back in 2000 with the then reigning World champion winning both days of the inaugural Grand Prix to be held in Asia. On this occasion Lampkin was twice followed home by Japanese hero Takahisa Fujinami (Montesa HRC) much to the delight of the many thousands of motorsport fans that packed the circuit on that historic weekend. Lampkin remains the most successful rider at the Japanese GP with him also winning in 2001 and 2002 to take his tally to three consecutive victories. It was another British rider this time Graham Jarvis (Sherco) who took top honours in 2003. A year later Fujinami finally got the opportunity to take his place on to the top step of the podium in front of his home fans to record his first and only win on Japanese soil. Albert Cabestany (Sherco) then enjoyed back-to-back triumphs in 2005 and 2006 before the younger Spanish riders took over at the top. Adam Raga (Gas Gas) and Toni Bou (Repsol Montesa HRC) were the last two winners of this event ahead of this edition and both remain the hot favourites to lift the trophy this time around.

With rain always a strong possibility during this time of year the mixture of steep muddy climbs and vertical ascents over the loose and often slippery rock faces means that the visit to Japan is always a spectacular one for the riders and fans alike.

2009 FIM Riders Championship

Current Standings:

World

1: Bou 97

2: Raga 88

3: Cabestany 69

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