adminINTERNATIONAL motocross will return to South Africa with the 2013 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Continental Championship, which will be held at the Syringa Park circuit in Gauteng on Saturday and Sunday.
This event, which will be contested by more than 110 riders from five nations in three Junior classes (MX50, MX65 and MX Lites) and three Senior classes (MX125, MX2 and MX1) plus ladies’ and vets classes, will be hosted by Motorsport SA and organised by the Syringa Motocross Club.
The Africa Motocross of African Nations will bring together the continent’s best motocross riders at the spectacular and well-known Syringa circuit near Muldersdrift and provide local motocross fans with a unique opportunity to watch top-class riding in a great family environment.
Many former National champions will be in action, among them all the current leaders of the various local class championships and the cream of SA’s up-and-coming talent.
Saturday has been set aside for two official practice sessions and a riders’ briefing with the first session getting under way at 8am and the final session due to end at around 4.30pm. Sunday’s programme will begin with free practice and start practice at 6.30am and racing will start at 8.30am.
There will be three heats per class with the final race due to end at about 4.20pm. This will be followed by prize-giving at around 6.30pm.
A 23-strong official South African team will compete in six of the seven classes – the exception is the ladies’ class – against teams from Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda and Botswana. The SA contingent, official team and independent riders – totalling 38 – will be the largest of all the nations and include 2000 MX125cc World champion and four-times American AMA champion Grant Langston.
The Zimbabwe and Zambia contingents both number 20 riders; there will be 16 from Uganda, nine from Kenya and eight from Botswana.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has perhaps the best driver pairing in formula one. That’s not the claim of a figure like Ross Brawn, Toto Wolff or Niki Lauda, but of the championship rival Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel.
The reigning World champion, and runaway 2013 points leader, was asked by Bild to consider the 2013 field and name the ideal driver duo.
Vettel said: “Hamilton and Rosberg, they push as well as harmonise one another very well.”
Vettel’s comments might be interpreted as the latest sign that he does not get along well with his own team mate, Mark Webber. Earlier in 2013, Webber announced he would leave Formula 1 to race for Porsche in 2014.
Vettel insists that “people on the outside” have always had the wrong impression about Red Bull’s current line-up: “Our relationship is completely professional.”-Wheels24.
Online Reporter