The long journey from central Europe to Asia for the majority of the regular championship contenders will be an important one as the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi has double points up for grabs with this being the last two day event in the 2009 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. After this overseas event the series returns to more familiar territories with the closing four rounds being held in Italy, Andorra, Spain and France respectively. The trip to Japan always provides a very different looking set of results with many wild card riders featuring amongst the more established names. The fifty-five names contained on this year’s entry list includes no less than twenty-three home riders, twelve of which will join Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Montesa HRC) in the World Pro class as the top category enjoys it biggest field for some time. Reigning champion Toni Bou (Repsol Montesa HRC) will arrive in Japan with a nine point lead over arch rival Adam Raga (Gas Gas) with Bou having carved out his first clear advantage of the current season thanks to back-to-back wins at the last round in Great Britain. Raga will be looking to repeat the success he enjoyed at Motegi back in 2007 when he recorded a rare victory over Bou during a year when Toni was almost untouchable. Local hero Fujinami will be joined by Albert Cabestany (Sherco) and Dougie Lampkin (Beta) all previous winners in Japan as potential podium visitors this time around. Jeroni Fajardo (Beta) will also be hoping for a return to form following his poor showing at round three. The young British duo of Alexz Wigg (Beta) and Jonathan Richardson (Sherco) head the supporting two classes as the series moves towards it halfway point. Wigg has the close attention of Alfredo Gomez (Montesa) in the Junior category whilst Tanguy Mottin (Gas Gas) from France remains Richardson’s nearest challenger in the Youth division.

Prior to the two days of competition, Bou – Raga – Cabestany and Fujinami will celebrate 2009 World Environment Day by signing a FIM Environmental Charter. This historic ceremony will take place during a specially arranged press conference at the Twin Ring Circuit, on Friday 5^th June 2009 at 13.00hrs local time.

For more information please visit

www.fim-live.com

Picture: www.trialmag.net

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