Fresh from winning the MX Nationals, Josh Coppins will make a surprise GP comeback to conclude 2012. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Monster Energy Yamaha has made the stunning announcement that new MX1 Australian Motocross Champion Josh Coppins will be joining the Rinaldi-led division of the team for the upcoming FIM Motocross World Championship events in Italy (Faenza) this weekend and Germany (Teutschenthal) on 23 September.

The New Zealander will make his final appearances at the top level after recently declaring he intends to retire at the end of the current racing term.

Coppins will swing his leg over the factory YZ450FM and re-join his old team-members with whom he worked from 2007 to 2009 and came so close to clinching the 2007 MX1 title.

The 35-year-old is already familiar with the latest Yamaha YZ450F after completing a consistent and victorious Australian campaign, one of the toughest national motocross series in the world, this year.

The Kiwi returned to his home in 2010 after more than 15 years in Europe but has been lured back to the confines of the Monster Energy Yamaha factory set-up to partner Shaun Simpson in the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

“After winning in Australia it was great to have the opportunity to properly close the book by coming back to one of the most professional teams I’ve worked with in Grand Prix racing,” said Coppins who won the 2008 GP at Teutschenthal with a convincing double moto triumph.

“Obviously I’m used to the Yamaha and posted good results with the bike this season and it will be fantastic to get on the factory bike in Monster Energy colours and tackle these events again with Michele, Fabio and Mino and the guys.

“There are no expectations. I just want to go out and show there is still gas in the tank and give a good account of myself and the team. It will be good preparation for the Nations in Belgium and overall a nice way to finish a long career.”

The German Grand Prix takes place just one week before the 66th Motocross of Nations where he will represent his country once more.