The battle resumes in the land of rising sun

Ever since the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship made its first visit to Japan on the turn of the millennium the event has played an integral role in the series’ international calendar. Always a memorable trial with its own unique flavour, this year Japan promises not only a great spectacle, but also some incredible duels between the championships’ key protagonists.

The fabulous and contemporary setting that is Honda’s Twin Ring race circuit at  Motegi, which sits among a patchwork of paddy fields in the rural heartlands of Japan, is somewhat at odds with its surroundings. However, its sharp contrast over the surrounding countryside only adds to the event’s inimitable feel and atmosphere. This is the sole round on the calendar that is not in Europe, and as such it is a welcome anomaly that delivers culture, character and diversity in an otherwise European-centric series.

The Twin Ring facility is a motorsport ‘complex’ in every sense of the word. It boasts everything from a museum to a go-kart track, in addition to both an oval and conventional road race circuit. It is here on the fringes of the road race circuit, that a mix of man made and natural obstacles challenge the World’s best riders over two days of intense competition.

Of those riders, by far the favourite to clinch yet another victory is Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa. Despite a rare fall from grace at the last round in Portugal, when he inexplicably failed to make the podium on day two, Bou remains the most accomplished and consistent rider of his generation. Bou’s task will certainly not be easy, though. Particularly with the recent emergence of home crowd hero Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa, who triumphed in Portugal and is always a top performer on his own turf.

While Fujinami will be keen to maintain his momentum and unsettle Bou’s consistency once again, he is likely to face a stiff challenge from Adam Raga - Gas Gas. Raga, who is currently in second place in the overall standings, will want to close the gap between him and Bou while defending his series position from Fujinami. Who in turn will be aiming to protect his top three placing from a persistent Albert Cabestany - Sherco.

The action in the World Championship class will be frenetic, however the excitement will not be confined to the premier category as both the Junior and Youth divisions are full of equally mesmerising clashes. After a lowly finish on day two in Portugal Alfredo Gomez - Montesa will want to make amends and leapfrog championship leader Patrick Smage - Sherco in the Junior class. While the war of attrition between Pol Tarres - Gas Gas and Carles Traviesa - Gas Gas will continue in the Youth league.

With double points up for grabs over two days in Motegi everything is in place for a real thriller and as the rising sun finally sets over the rice plantations on Sunday evening, we should have a much clearer idea of who is ready to stake their claim for this year’s World titles.