World Motocross: Ryan Villopoto To Europe
Shan Moore | October 1, 2014
The rumors were finally confirmed last night that Ryan Villopoto will be heading to Europe for the 2015 season to race the FIM World Motocross Series in the MXGP class. The nine-time US champion has signed with the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team of Europe with the intention of bringing Kawasaki their first World Championship in the MXGP class; the worldwide series will host 18 rounds on four continents in 2015.
“I am ready for the next chapter in my career and to accomplish new goals,” said Villopoto. “I’ve never been one to look at the record books so when an opportunity like this comes around, to race against the best in the world and represent USA, I have to see it through. It will be a major change of pace, but I am extremely excited about the opportunity and also to be joined by a former champion like Tyla Rattray. He knows what is needed to succeed on the world championship stage and I know I can learn a lot from him.”
Racing alongside Villopoto for the Kawasaki Racing Team in the MXGP class will be Tyla Rattray; the 28-year-old South African won the MX2 world title in 2008 and was a regular race winner during a highly successful career in the USA with Kawasaki.
MX2 world champion Jordi Tixier, who clinched the title in an epic duel at the final round in Mexico last month, will bolt the number one plate to his KX250F in the Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team next season; his teammates will be Dylan Ferrandis and Thomas Covington.