French MXoN Team Announced
The French Federation just announced this weekend in Loket, during the Czech Republic Grand Prix, the selected team by the president of the Federation for the Motocross of Nations which will take place in Saint Jean d’Angely (France). The team will be the same as two years ago in Italy, with Marvin Musquin, Steven Frossard and Gautier Paulin who will aim to get another victory ten years after Namur.
As always the choice was tough for the French Federation, as many good riders raced the GP’s and the US Championship with strong results. “It’s never easy to announce a selection six weeks before the event, as none of the championships are finished, but with the Federation we’ve confirmed Marvin Musquin in the MX2 class, Steven Frossard in the MX1 class and Gautier Paulin in the Open class. There was no doubt about Steven, he proved this season in the MX1 class that he was definitively one of the fastest 450 riders, including on tracks such as Lommel or Valkenswaard. He did a great job in 2009 with the French team, and he won this year the GP in Saint Jean d’Angely. We spoke a lot with Marvin Musquin before we made our decision, and we know that he is back to his best level after his injuries; he has four more races to prepare the Nations, and for sure he will be at his best physical shape as he didn’t raced so much this season. The third man will be Gautier Paulin, in the Open class; last year we called him at the last minute and he didn’t had so much time to adapt to the 450, this year will be different and he already has a technical basis. Our three riders got in the past great results in Saint Jean d’Angely, and they all rode strong in all conditions, whether it’s dry and sunny or wet and muddy” said French trainer Olivier Robert, on behalf of Jacques Bolle the president of the Federation.
Marvin Musquin. “That’s great news for me! My season had been tough with injuries, and it’s nice to see that the Federation trust in my potential. It’s a great motivation for the rest of the season, and I’m delighted to be with Steven and Gautier in the selection. I keep great memories from 2009, and I will go to Saint Jean to bring the best results to the team. I was frustrated last year to retire twice at the Nations, I want a revenge and the MX2 win. Last year I won both heats of the French GP there, the atmosphere was crazy and it will be even more this year with the fans. Not so many riders have the possibility in their career to race the Nations on their home soil, and I can’t’ wait to be there!”
Steven Frossard. “I’m happy to be back in the French team, being selected as one of the three best riders of your country is always nice. When I was younger I never missed the Nations as spectator, I love this event and I’m motivated for this race. For sure there will be some pressure as we race at home, but it was similar at the French GP and that was not a problem for me. For sure it will be important to have good starts on this track, even if I proved during the second heat of the GP that you can recover from mid pack start. At the moment I’m focused on the last GP’s, but for sure my motivation will be strong for the Nations.”
Gautier Paulin. “For me it’s a huge bonus to be selected for the Nations, it proves that you had a good season and I will have the chance to race this event in France. I want to thanks the Federation for this choice, it’s a great honor and I will do my best. Last year I was confirmed very late and came in the US just with a few hours to test my 450, this time it will be different and I will be able to prepare the event in the best conditions. In 2009 I had the same teammates; we know each others, we have good relations and I’m sure that with more experience than two years ago we’ll be stronger.”
In Loket, Pascal Haudiquert/Mediacross on behalf of the French Federation
