For the first clash of the year, the FIM SuperMoto World Championship will return to Rivesaltes, on the Mediterranean coast, not far from Perpignan, the venue that hosted the final meeting of 2013.
Mauno Hermunen (Team TM), who is now on Michelin rubber, will be out to defend the title he claimed last season with a score of 10 wins from 14.
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That said, he is likely to face stiffer competition this time round, with chief rivals including Thierry Van Den Bosch who has a full programme with Team TM Racing Factory (Michelin). The 2004 S1 World Champion’s team-mate Thomas Chareyre will be hoping to add a third title to those secured in 2010 and 2012, and it was the Frenchman who won the opening race at Rivesaltes last year.
Another likely title contender is four-time champion Adrien Chareyre (2011/S1, 2009/S2, 2008/S2, 2007/S1) who has signed for another term with Aprilia Fast Wheels (Michelin). He, too, went well at Rivesaltes in 2013 when he won the second race and came second in the first.
The new season sees the introduction of a 10-minute super-pole shootout for the eight fastest riders during the 30-minute timed practice session. Before that, there will be two 30-minute free practice runs and, before the race, a 20-minute warm-up.