“My goal this year remains the same as any other season I’ve entered,” confirmed Juha at the recent Husqvarna CH Racing Monster Energy team launch in Milan, Italy. “My job is to race to the best of my ability and by doing that then hopefully we can win the championship. It will be a tough season as there are lot of strong riders competing in Enduro 2 but I’ll focus on what I can do and not worry about everyone else.”

This year Juha will face opposition in many forms from riders like Johnny Aubert (KTM) and Ivan Cervantes (Gas Gas) along with Pela Renet (Husaberg) and his own Husqvarna teammate Alex Salvini. With that in mind has his approach to the upcoming GP of Chile changed?

“No. I’ve been racing for many years now and I know what works for me. I have a routine that I’m confident in and happy with. It’s part of how I live so I don’t feel the need to change anything.”

“Many people are already viewing Enduro 2 as the premier class,” continued Juha. “Yes, for sure it will be a strong class as there is a wide range of riders, but I think every class is tough to win and you must always ride to your maximum in order to be champion.”

After a couple of difficult seasons, winning the 2011 Enduro 1 World Championship marked Salminen’s return back to the top. So why the decision to move to Enduro 2 and not defend his E1 crown?

 “I was happy to win the title for Husqvarna and to prove the competitiveness of the bike. But during 2011 there were times when I looked for more power and when Husqvarna asked me to move to Enduro 2 I was happy to do so. The new bike feels exactly like my old 250f but with that extra power I wanted. I haven’t had to change anything on the bike and I’m confident that this is the perfect package, it suits what I need for continued success.”