Double Enduro World Champions in 2011 thanks to the titles secured by Juha Salminen and Antoine Meo, the renamed Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing squad will start the new EWC season in Chile looking for continued success. With a revised rider line-up the team are looking forward to competing in what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive eight-round series.
Competing exclusively in the Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 categories for 2012 the Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing squad has one goal – to repeat last year’s TE250 and TE310 powered championship-winning successes. With a gruelling series taking riders to Chile, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Swede, Finland and France, competition in all classes will be tougher than ever.
Leading Husqvarna’s EWC assault is Juha Salminen. The 2011 Enduro 1 World Champion moves up into the Enduro 2 category for 2012, where he will race aboard a TE 310 machine. The most successful EWC rider ever, Salminen will start the new season hopeful of securing a ninth world championship title. With his vast racing knowledge, skills, and want to deliver Husqvarna further titles, Juha will head a three-rider team in Enduro 2 alongside Alex Salvini and Romain Dumontier.
Juha Salminen – E2: “I think it will be an interesting year for me competing in Enduro 2, which will bring some extra motivation for success. It will be a tough championship for sure, but I view it much the same way as any other season I’ve raced. As always my goal is to win and I will ride at my maximum ability in order to try and do that. I’m enjoying riding the new TE 310. It feels exactly like my TE 250 but with more power - I haven’t had to change anything on the bike.”
Looking to deliver his best EWC season to date following numerous impressive performances during this winter’s FIM SuperEnduro World Championship series Alex Salvini start 2012 determined to secure regular podium results. Improving greatly during 2011, Salvini now has the experience to match his speed.
Alex Salvini – E2: “Last year was quite tough as it was my first season in the world championship. It was a big step but I learned a lot from it and I’m ready to improve in 2012. I’m looking forward to racing in Enduro 2. It’ll be a tough class with a lot of competitive riders but I’m focused on securing a strong result. I’ve made some good progress during the winter months and feel happy with my speed on the TE 310. My goal is to finish top three overall and hopefully with a strong start to the season in South America it will be possible.”
Romain Dumontier joins the team for 2012 fresh from his outstanding performances in the Enduro Junior class of the EWC in 2011. Stepping into senior competition for the first time, the determined Frenchman knows that he faces many challengers in the competitive Enduro 2 class but is unwavering in his belief that he will fight for regular top five results.
Roman Dumontier – E2: “I’m really excited for the start of the season. After a successful number of years competing in the Junior class I able to move into the Seniors classes with one of the best teams in the paddock. Enduro 2 will be very strong but I think a top five result will be possible.”
Spearheading the Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing squad’s Enduro 1 class attack is Finland’s Matti Seistola. A multiple podium finisher during 2011, Matti’s goal is to do what countryman and friend Salminen did last year – secure the Enduro 1 title.
Matti Seistola – E1: “It was nice to win some races in 2011 but this year I want to try and win the world title. It will be important to remain competitive at every round of the championship and try to push for the win. I’ve learned to be more calculated and patient with my riding, which I think will help me throughout the season to be one of the top riders. I’m looking forward to getting started again and I’m excited to start the championship in Chile.
Racing alongside Seistola will be Spaniard Lorenzo Santolino and US EWC first timer Ricky Dietrich. Fifth in the 2011 Enduro 1 series standings, Lorenzo, with Husqvarna backing, looks to further improve his World Championship ranking. For Ricky Dietrich moving to Europe to compete in the EWC series represents a major change of direction in the young American’s career – one he’s unquestionably looking forward to. With speed to match both Seistola and Lorenzo, Ricky will ensure Husqvarna enjoy a highly competitive presence in the Enduro 1 class.
Lorenzo Santolino – E1: “My goal is keep improving in the Enduro 1 class. There will be many fast riders in my class but I believe that I am one of them and will be focused on finishing inside the top five at each round of the championship while also pushing for a podium result. I’m really happy with the TE 250, I feel very comfortable on the bike and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Ricky Dietrich – E1: “This will be a big year for me but a learning one as well. I’m really thankful for CH Racing Husqvarna for giving me this opportunity to compete in the Enduro World Championship and hopefully I can reward them with some solid results.”
Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing 2012
Enduro1 Matti Seistola (Finland) TE 250
Enduro1 Lorenzo Santolino (Spain) TE 250
Enduro1 Ricky Dietrich (USA) TE 250
Enduro2 Juha Salminen (Finland) TE 310
Enduro2 Alex Salvini (Italy) TE 310
Enduro2 Romain Dumontier (France) TE 310
