WEC NEWS APRIL

The WEC TV show in Catalunya and Chile

The WEC TV programs will be diffused on two additional channels in 2007, the Spanish regional television TV Catalunya and the Chilean channel Motors MAS. Motors Mas involvement bears witness to the increasing interest of Chile and South America for , 7 months before ISDE in La Serena on November. With TV Catalunya, the WEC will touch directly the heart of Spanish “aficion” for motorsports, among them many supporters of Ivan Cervantes. Thanks to the collaboration of ABC Communication and Motors TV, the MAXXIS FIM WEC goes on being exported, with reinforcement in and new prospects in South America.

A weekend of “world first”

The Grand Prix Scott of Sweden, opening round of the 2007 season, was the weekend of “world first” for many riders. First GP for Fred Bolley, Rodrig Thain, Luigy Seguy, but also:

• First full marks for Marko TARKKALA (FIN-KTM), victorious on Saturday and Sunday for the first time in his career

• First podium for his compatriot Tomi PELTOLA (FIN-SUZ). The 2004 Polish ISDE revelation took time to concretize all the hopes placed in him. After mediocre years with Husqvarna, he finally signs his first podium at 25 with Suzuki Kalinen.

• First podium for the promising Robert KVARNSTRÖM (SWE-KTM). 2nd on Saturday, this 17 years old rider represents with Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB) the future of Swedish enduro, after the Bergvall-Carlsson- Eriksson era

Benoit Thibal seriously injured

French Junior Benoît THIBAL (FRA-Gas Gas) has been victim of an accident in while preparing for the WEC on last Sunday. Injured to the spinal column, he had a 6 hours operation to treat his spinal cord. Unfortunately the surgeons declared there isn’t any hope he will use his legs again, he will stay paraplegic. The 20 years old Gas Gas rider trained for the WEC and the French championship this year. ABC Communication wants to show moral support to him and his family in this ordeal.

Satisfecit for timekeepers

In Greek mythology, Kronos is the god of time. So it’s not surprising the Greek timekeepers really did a great job during first GP in Sweden. By proposing a clear interface and live results, Nikos Andritsakis’ crew offered one giant leap to the world of Enduro. Today you can follow the evolution of the race on www.abc-wec.com. You can also receive all the results by SMS. More information on the Wec’s web.

Marc Coma to GP AMV of Spain?

At the moment it’s a rumor but the recent winner of Rallye of Tunisia Marc Coma could engage on GP AMV of Spain on April the 28th and 29th in Puerto Lumbreras. Let’s remind before being a successful rallyman, the Catalan has been a talented enduro rider, with several participations to the ISDE with Spanish team.

BMW Motorrad Xtreme Test Awards

The second round of the BMW Motorrad Xtreme Test Awards will take place in Puerto Lumbreras extreme test on April the 28th and 29th. This special test will be much more difficult than in Sweden, and the leader of the challenge Mika AHOLA (FIN-HM Honda) will have a lot of work to preserve his first place. BMW Motorrad will be present with the Xtreme Test Awards, but not only…maybe in the paddock!