Gas Gas ready for 2013 Outdoor Season

The 2013 Trial World Championship begins this weekend in Motegi, Japan with eight rounds, including five two-day events, making up the calendar at this highest level of competition, one in which the Gas Gas factory team has high expectations. Adam Raga, recently crowned runner-up of World Indoor Trial will seek to continue in the same form that he has shown in recent races to get a positive result at the start of this championship.

The rider from Ulldecona has seen victory three times in the Japanese Grand Prix (2007, 2010 and 2011) and, with the exception of last season, since 2006, has always been on the podium. Raga trusts that he can get back into the fold in Motegi: "Apart from last year, in Japan I have done well overall, and I hope to repeat this year." The Gas Gas rider is fit and recognizes that in recent weeks he has intensified his preparation which has seen an improvement in performance: "I had a good pre-season, in the last few races we have seen this result. I trained a lot, and I think I'm at a good level. It is clear that Toni Bou is the man to beat and my main goal is that, although it is also very important to ride, have a good image and everything must go perfectly to have a good result. For now, we are on the right track, " he said.

However, a major issue of concern to the riders: Japan will be the debut of the new 'Non-Stop' regulations,  which prevents a complete stop while the riders are in action in the zone. Raga discusses his concerns about this. "We are concerned by this regulation. No rider likes the new regulation, we do not know how to judge and how to apply this. These hesitations cause some distress. This policy has no future, they should follow the example of Spain, where we have a perfect regulation, beneficial to all riders, brands, sponsors and also to the public."
 
Jorge Casales, for the Junior title

In addition, the Adam Raga Gas Gas factory team has high hopes for the young rider from Gallego, Jorge Casales, who will compete in the junior category. Last year, Casales finished fifth, following a remarkable second half of the season although attending the GP of Australia and Japan would have been even better for him to fight for the championship podium. This year, the epitome of the Gas Gas Trial 'School of Champions' has had an excellent progression both on the physical and the technical aspects and is one of the favorites for the Junior title.
 
In addition to the new regulations, the route of the Trial is six kilometers, consiting of three laps for a total of 12 zones per lap, all within the Motegi circuit area. The last driver to start will exit 11:00 (local time) and will have five hours to complete the race. The time difference between Spain and Japan is -7 hours.