After a somewhat frustrating start to his 2012 season, David Knight already lies 16 points behind Nambotin. Struggling to find the perfect setup on his KTM 500 in the dry and dusty conditions, the Manxman, who’s aiming for his fourth world title, could only finish second best in Chile and Argentina. Finishing fourth on day one in Chile, Knight picked up his pace to place second for the remaining three days. Now with time to improve on what he’s learned in South America and with conditions in Spain expected to be similar to that of Britain, Knight will be aiming to put a halt to his teammate’s winning ways.

Claiming two podium results in Chile, TM’s Aigar Leok is already proving to be the revelation of Enduro 3. Punching above his weight, the Estonian - a former Grand Prix motocross rider - is providing a tough challengeer for his new classmates in only his second season of enduro.

Behind Leok, Husaberg’s Joakim Ljunggren holds fourth. Not finding conditions to his liking in Chile, the Swede was uncharacteristically off the pace. Finishing fifth on day one and improving to fourth on day two, Ljunggren returned to his usual best in Argentina. Securing third on day one, he fell just five tenths of a second short of beating Knight for the runner up spot on day two.

Completing the top five is Spain’s Oriol Mena. The Husaberg rider has delivered some strong results already this season and with the advantage of home crowd support urging him on in Minitibar, the young Spaniard will want to give his fans a reason to cheer.

Championship Standings (after round two)

Enduro 3:

1. Christophe Nambotin (KTM) 80pts;

2. David Knight (KTM) 64;

3. Aigar Leok (TM) 58;

4. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 54;

5. Oriol Mena (Husaberg) 46;

6. Marko Tarkkala (Beta) 39;

7. Benoit Fortunato (Gas Gas) 35;

8. Marcus Kehr (KTM) 33;

9. Manuel Monni (KTM) 27;

10. Christophe Robert (Husaberg) 27…