Former MX2 world champion to make long-awaited maiden MXGP appearance.
2014 MX2 FIM Motocross World Champion, Jordi Tixier, is set to make his MXGP debut this weekend in Italy after missing the first seven rounds of the 2016 championship.
Injuring his wrist last August, the Frenchman spent a lengthy time off the bike due to complications, delaying his entry to the premier class considerably.
After a month of training aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team KX450F-SR, the 24-year-old and his team feel he is fit to go racing.
“It’s a great feeling to be back again on the bike,” said Tixier. “That’s my life and it’s so nice to be able to ride again and train as usual.
“I started riding my Kawasaki for one week in Belgium; it was better to start on sandy tracks but since then I’ve moved on to different locations and even entered an international race in France.”
With only one race under his belt in eight months, Tixier admits it will be a case of building back up and preparing for a strong 2017 season.
“Apart from the race in France, I haven’t been racing for eight months now so the first goal for my comeback is to be back behind the gate, finish two GP motos and do my best,” he added.
“The goal is to take it step by step, to improve my riding and prepare for 2017 as I already missed seven GPs this season. I can’t wait to be at the gate again!”
At this stage it is unclear if Tixier will be joined by teammate Clemente Desalle after he pulled out of the grand prix of Germany with a shoulder injury.