The Trial World Championship continues its intense journey through Australia and Japan, where in just two weeks four competitions are being held with 80 points at stake. We can say that half the world is being played in these 15 days.
The reigning World Champion and outstanding leader of the provisional standings, Toni Bou, has come out of the Australian GP reinforced , where in addition to achieving two victories, he has benefited from the irregular results of his main rivals.
If there’s a rider in Japan with extra motivation, it’s Takahisa Fujinami. The 32-year-old Japanese rider is proving to be a serious candidate for the podium in all races, both indoors and outdoors.
In fact, they are currently in fourth place, just two points behind Cabestany and five behind Raga. Therefore, Fuji can aspire to almost everything this season.
The likeable Japanese rider has not won at home since 2005, so he will try to break that streak and put on a good show for his fans, who always give their all in this event and take over all the surroundings of the Motegi speed circuit, owned by Honda.
This fact, the feeling that the Honda factory is very close, adds extra motivation to its factory riders.
Fujinami , however, acknowledges:
“I feel more pressure when I compete in Japan; I always want to offer a good fan base and my best results.”
We must not forget riders such as Fajardo , who put in a brilliant performance in Australia, signing a second place on day 2, or Dani Oliveras, who achieved a spectacular sixth place on the first day the year of his return.
In Junior we will have Moret and Tarrés fighting against the main favourite: Ferrer. Nor do we forget those who should be here, but who due to lack of budget have not travelled: Jorge Casales and Carles Traviesa. I’m sure both of them would have given a lot to talk about.
As always, Trialworld will provide you with the results, report and videos throughout the weekend.
Text: Trialworld / Photos: FIM and D.Quer
