American Zach Osborne enters his fourth in the GP circus and he is looking for the MX2-GP world title.
The Monster Energy Yamaha rider has already started the season great. He took two podiums in a row on the Monster Energy Supercross Lite West Series. He lies third in points after the two first weekends, just six points from second place. And this is just all for fun.
“I was comfortable all day and thought I’d be in contention for a podium, maybe a win,” he said after the SX event in Oakland, California. “I didn’t have a great start in my heat but I rode will to finish second. In the Main, after just a few laps, I rode a little tight and had some arm pump. I think that seeing the others make mistakes and fall in front of me caused me to over-think things a bit and tighten up. I never really regained the speed I had, though third is a really good finish. Everything with the bike was comfortable and great, showing how pre-season testing with Marty from Öhlins USA has paid off.”
Osborne has now head over to Europe to start his European campaign which includes both British MX2 and the MX2-GP campaign. His first race is March 11 in the British Championship Series while the first race in the World Championship is in Netherlands on April 9.
Speaking to Yamaha before the season Zach is looking forward to the 2012 Grand Prix campaign.
“I feel good. I’ve had a completely different set-up and approach going into this season compared to the past so it is a little difficult to judge where I am. I haven’t really done any motocross riding yet or a lot of endurance training that I need to do but I have been able to get a lot of confidence from what we achieved in Supercross. Another good thing is the feeling or more familiarity with my 2012 bike. I’m back into my training game and prep for the GPs now and I feel like I am ahead of the game. I think it is fine that I’ve spent more time at home this winter. I don’t think I needed to be in Europe watching it snow!”
Being a Monster Energy Yamaha rider while still with the Dixon BikeIt team under a works umbrella does make Osborne feel confident for the season ahead.
“It’s a big step for Steve Dixon and me in terms of publicity and profile. To have a company like Monster Energy associated with the team is a big deal and having that status ofa factory rider is an honour. It’s great news for everyone involved and really the beginning of a new chapter and chain of possibilities. I feel like I am on the verge of a really good season. I’m going to give it everything!”