The Honda 150 European Motocross Championship is designed to provide young riders between the ages of 11 and 14 with four-stroke experience and prepare them for riding in European championships and World championships. The winner of the championship will receive a 2016 Honda supported ride in the European 250 championship. The first round will be at the first European event in the MXGP calendar at Pietramurata, Italy, on the 18th and 19th of April.
Last weekend saw youth riders from throughout Europe, and as far afield as the United States, descend on Albaida, Spain for the Honda 150 -FIM Europe training camp. While the primary purpose of the training camp was to allow the riders to familiarise themselves with the four-stroke CRF150R, undergo physical assessment and benefit from the tutelage from stars from the Honda Racing Family, a selection process was also in place to decide who would join the pre-selected riders at the start gates in Pietramurata for the first round.
To ensure that the riders received a complete training package, a fitness assessment and sports psychology session was given by the FIM Europe: accompanied by the FIM Europe President Wolfgang Srb and coordinated by the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco, the staff consisted of the Trainers Fabrizio Bernardini and Marco Infusino from Italy and the Sports Psychologist Anders Wahlström from Sweden.
Throughout the weekend, series coach Gordon Crockard and Honda Europe’s Off-Road manager Davy Dousselaere observed the 13 riders who had not been pre-selected and assessed them based on their riding potential, riding position and style, general attitude and fitness. The young hopefuls were also watched closely by Team HRC MXGP rider Gautier Paulin and Team HRC Sporting Manager Jean-Michel Bayle who were on hand to offer guidance to the riders and assist Crockard and Dousselaere in making their selection.
A video of the event in Albaida, with an interview to FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb, can be watched here.
The video looks at the new aspiring racers and how the Honda Racing Family come together to encourage the next generation.
Although there were only six places available in the championship, the other seven riders still have a chance to ride at one of the rounds. Three of the riders were chosen as reserves, to be called upon if someone is unable to attend an event or suffers an injury. Throughout the year, there is also the possibility to be called up as a wildcard rider for an event.
The six riders who were selected are:
Marc Antolin (ESP)
Andrea Bonifacio (ITA)
Luis Outeiro (PRT)
Alex Pettersson (SWE)
David Robson (GBR)
Jana Sanchez (ESP)
The three reserves are:
1st reserve: Jonas Bjerrum (DEN)
2nd reserve: Romain Delbrassine (BEL)
3rd reserve: Lorenzo Bernini (ITA)
Final entry list
Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, during the interview for the video
