    |
 |
|
|
|
Motocross ace Josh Coppins re-starts his bid for the world 250 title this weekend in Spain.
Meanwhile his young protégé Ben Townley will be a centre of attention after his stunning second place in the 125 class at the year’s first world championship round.
This Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix brings the New Zealand-born pair to Bellpuig, in Catalunya outside Barcelona just south of the Pyrenees.
“It’s a pretty demanding track, with some steep hill sections,” said Coppins, star of the Berni Honda team.
“Last year it was the opening grand prix and a lot of riders were just testing each other out.
“This time I expect it will all go, right from Saturday morning’s practice session.”
Coppins is now fully recovered from a back injury which held him back to fifth position in this year’s season-opener in The Netherlands a fortnight ago.
“I’m as right as rain now,” commented the 25-year-old CR250R rider. “I had a good ride this past weekend for third at an international at Mantova in Italy, and I have some points to make up in the championship.
“The Honda is superb and I’m ready to climb onto the podium.”
Coppins is seeking to restore his march to the top of the world’s glamour class, after a season dogged by bad luck in 2001.
Still finishing sixth outright 250, the plucky professional rider was disappointed after flying to fourth the previous year.
Coppins’ fellow expat Kiwi Townley suddenly finds himself in the media spotlight after coming from nowhere in The Netherlands to be the only new face on the podium of any category.
Ranked 33rd after his rookie season, the talented 17-year-old has blossomed in the Big Five Vangani Team and his Dutch GP placing was no surprise to those who saw his pre-season form on the KTM 125.
“I’m happy with my riding and my preparation,” commented the cool young talent. “It’s just a matter of concentrating on the next race and not getting too far ahead of myself.
“I rode Spain last year, it was my first ever GP and I remember what a buzz it was to qualify.
“I feel comfortable there and I’m looking forward to getting back amongst the action.”
Coppins’ 250 grand prix starts just after 11am local time, Townley’s 125 four hours later.
