Global Motorsport Communications Press Release
After the great successes of the 2011 Enduro World Championship – winning both rider
and manufacturer titles in the Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 classes, Husqvarna Enduro Team by
CH Racing will start the new season once again focused on success. With a revised rider
line-up the squad are looking forward to competing in what will undoubtedly be a highly
competitive eight-round series.
Competing exclusively in the Enduro 1 and Enduro 2 categories for 2012 the Husqvarna
Enduro Team by CH Racing squad has one goal – to repeat last year’s TE250 and TE310
powered championship-winning successes. With a gruelling series taking riders to Chile,
Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Swede, Finland and France, competition in all classes will
be tougher than ever.
Leading Husqvarna’s EWC assault is Juha Salminen. The 2011 Enduro 1 World Champion
moves up into the Enduro 2 category for 2012, where he will race aboard a TE 310
machine. The most successful EWC rider ever, Salminen will start the new season hopeful
of securing a ninth world championship title. With his vast racing knowledge, skills, and
want to deliver Husqvarna further titles, Juha will head a three-rider team in Enduro 2
alongside Alex Salvini and Romain Dumontier.
Looking to deliver his best EWC season to date following numerous impressive
performances during this winter’s FIM SuperEnduro World Championship series Alex
Salvini start 2012 determined to secure regular podium results. Improving greatly during
2011, Salvini now has the experience to match his speed.
Romain Dumontier joins the team for 2012 fresh from his outstanding performances in
the Enduro Junior class of the EWC in 2011. Stepping into senior competition for the first
time, the determined Frenchman knows that he faces many challengers in the competitive
Enduro 2 class but is unwavering in his belief that he will fight for regular top five results.
Spearheading the Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing squad’s Enduro 1 class attack is
Finland’s Matti Seistola. A multiple podium finisher during 2011, Matti’s goal is to do what
countryman and friend Salminen did last year – secure the Enduro 1 title.
Racing alongside Seistola will be Spaniard Lorenzo Santolino and US EWC first timer Ricky
Dietrich. Fifth in the 2011 Enduro 1 series standings, Lorenzo, with Husqvarna backing,
looks to further improve his World Championship ranking. For Ricky Dietrich moving to
Europe to compete in the EWC series represents a major change of direction in the
young American’s career – one he’s unquestionably looking forward to. With speed to
match both Seistola and Lorenzo, Ricky will ensure Husqvarna enjoy a highly competitive
presence in the Enduro 1 class.
Juha Salminen – E2: “I think it will be an interesting year for me competing in
Enduro 2, which will bring some extra motivation for success. It will be a tough
championship for sure, but I view it much the same way as any other season I’ve raced.
As always my goal is to win and I will ride at my maximum ability in order to try and
do that. I’m enjoying riding the new TE 310. It feels exactly like my TE 250 but with
more power – I haven’t had to change anything on the bike.”
Alex Salvini – E2: “Last year was quite tough as it was my first season in the world
championship. It was a big step but I learned a lot from it and I’m ready to improve in
2012. I’m looking forward to racing in Enduro 2. It’ll be a tough class with a lot of
competitive riders but I’m focused on securing a strong result. I’ve made some good
progress during the winter months and feel happy with my speed on the TE 310. My
goal is to finish top three overall and hopefully with a strong start to the season in
South America it will be possible.”
Roman Dumontier – E2: “I’m really excited for the start of the season. After a
successful number of years competing in the Junior class I able to move into the
Seniors classes with one of the best teams in the paddock. Enduro 2 will be very
strong but I think a top five result will be possible.”
Matti Seistola – E1: “It was nice to win some races in 2011 but this year I want to
try and win the world title. It will be important to remain competitive at every round
of the championship and try to push for the win. I’ve learned to be more calculated
and patient with my riding, which I think will help me throughout the season to be one
of the top riders. I’m looking forward to getting started again and I’m excited to start
the championship in Chile.
Ricky Dietrich – E1: “This will be a big year for me but a learning one as well. I’m
really thankful for CH Racing Husqvarna for giving me this opportunity to compete in
the Enduro World Championship and hopefully I can reward them with some solid
results.”
Lorenzo Santolino – E1: “My goal is keep improving in the Enduro 1 class. There
will be many fast riders in my class but I believe that I am one of them and will be
focused on finishing inside the top five at each round of the championship while also
pushing for a podium result. I’m really happy with the TE 250, I feel very comfortable
on the bike and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Husqvarna Enduro Team by CH Racing 2012
Enduro1 – Matti Seistola (Finland) – TE 250
Enduro1 – Lorenzo Santolino (Spain) – TE 250
Enduro1 – Ricky Dietrich (USA) – TE 250
Enduro2 – Juha Salminen (Finland) – TE 310
Enduro2 – Alex Salvini (Italy) – TE 310
Enduro2 – Romain Dumontier (France) – TE 310
