It's Official: Pourcel Signs with Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna

It’s finally official: Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna has signed Christophe Pourcel to race the 2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship aboard a 450. The team made the signing official today, less than a week after reports began to surface of the deal. 

“We tested the bike last week and I had a good thing going with Bobby [Hewitt] and Robert Jonas,” said Pourcel in a team statement. “They made me feel very comfortable with the team. The test of the bike went very good. That is why we made the decision to go this way. They believe in me and that was a big part of my decision to join the team. The 450 has always suited me; I’ve been riding a 250 for a long time and I feel it’s best for me to go back to a 450 and compete. I look forward to the opportunity for a future with the team.”

Pourcel joins the team after spending last year with Valli Motorsports in the 250 Class. This is the first year Pourcel will race the 450 Class since leaving MotoConcepts after just two rounds in 2011 and returning to Europe.

“Knowing Christophe had multiple options from other teams for this year’s outdoor series but chose to sign with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing says a great deal about our program and the bike,” said team manager Bobby Hewitt. “I am very happy to have Christophe join the team and I look forward to the start of the motocross season.”

Husqvarna’s head of motorsport, Robert Jonas, also commented on the signing: “I am very happy about our newest enhancement of the US factory racing program. Christophe, former MX2 world champion and two time 250SX champion, is known as a very talented rider who requires specific treatment but I believe that our team will be qualified to provide what’s needed to make him feel home in the team and well on the bike. He has a very smooth and technical riding style and good skills how to communicate what he is looking for on his bike setup. We made the deal maybe a little bit at short notice towards the beginning of the outdoor season but I am convinced that he will do very well.”

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off May 16 at Hangtown.