Twenty-six year old James Dabill - Beta heads to the penultimate round of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship in Italy this coming weekend holding sixth place in the general standings. Whilst the British rider has his home round proper to look forward to, which will bring a close to the current series later this month, Dabill also regards the Italian Grand Prix as having special importance for both him and the factory Beta team.
"Over the years Italy has become my second home, with me having ridden in the Italian championship a few years ago and I am now riding for another Italian based team. Because I have ridden in their championship I have gained some Italian fans, so I can normally count on some extra support when it comes to the Italian GP."
Dabill remains determined to break into the top five on a more regular basis and to displace the more established names who have held the higher rankings for several years now. James has twice recorded fifth place finishes during his 2012 campaign, once on the opening day in Japan and the other occasion being on day two of the Spanish GP. However the factory Beta rider came closest to causing a real upset when he was just six marks off second spot on the second day of the French round.
"Overall I am happy with how things have been going this season so far. There is a really good vibe in the team, and Jeroni (Fajardo) and I are working really well together. Obviously I would like to have been in the top five a few more times, but it is not an easy task as the top guys have been riding well again this year. All I can do is to keep pushing and I am sure the results will start to come more often, as I feel I have been riding well most of the time."
Fourth position at the British Grand Prix back in 2009 remains James' best World Championship result to date, whilst he placed sixth at last year's Italian GP. Seventh spot on day one at the inaugural event in Australia and a disappointing ninth place on the final day of the Japanese round are the only times that Dabill has finished outside the top six during the current season. With his two year contract up for renewal at the end of the season James will be only too aware of how important it will be for him to produce a strong close to his 2012 campaign.
"I always look forward to the Italian round and this year is no different. This weekend is important for many reasons, although I want to do well for myself and for Beta I want to finish the year on a high, it doesn't mean that I feel under extra pressure. I am going to head out to Italy early to do some testing and training with the team, so I am ready and relaxed for the Trial."
The Italian Trial GP will take place on Sunday only at Santo Stefano d'Aveto, in the region close to Genoa.