ROCKSTAR ENERGY SUZUKI SIGNS MAX ANSTIE

Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe today unveiled talented British racer Max Anstie as their major riding acquisition for the 2013 FIM Motocross World Championship.

In front of the international press corps at Teutschenthal for the Grand Prix of Germany and the final round of the '12 series, Anstie , Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher and Team Technical co-ordinator Jens Johansson spoke of their feelings on the new union that will see the 19 year old steer the factory RM-Z250 in the MX2 grands prix and also prepare for the new campaign with some Supercross appearances in the first months of '13.

"For 2011 and 2012 our goal was to build the base of the team back up to a position where we could get a rider like Max on board and push to be on the MX2 podium again," said Ramsbacher . "We know he is a hard-working and professional youngster and has been on the radar of many people in MX2 for some time. Now with Brian Hsu , Jorge Zaragoza and possibly another MX2 rider that we hope to confirm very soon we have a strong team on many levels and it is great to see. I want to give big thanks to our sponsors and partners for helping to make this happen and to Suzuki of course for realising we had a prime opportunity to continue our project. We have already developed a few remarkable athletes and have no shortage of young stars coming through our ranks."

Said Anstie : "I'm really happy to be joining the team because from what I've seen it is very professional and organised and I believe they can give me the package I need to be on the podium consistently. I analysed my options and I cannot thank these guys enough for believing in me and providing a factory ride."

"We are looking forward to starting our next chapter with Max," said Johansson. "We have already been using 2013 RM-Z250 parts since the Grand Prix of Europe and we are into the first phases of preparation for the next season. It should be an exciting time."

Anstie , son of former GP rider Mervyn , finished sixth in the 2011 MX2 World Championship, which was his first full Grand Prix term in the wake of a very successful and much-hyped amateur and junior spell of his career. The Briton moved to California at a young age and after decent appearances in the Supercross arenas crossed the Atlantic again to attempt the FIM series. He currently holds seventh in the 2012 standings after a year dogged by misfortune. Anstie did walk the podium once this season - in the sand of Lierop for the Benelux Grand Prix - and has two career rostrum trophies to-date.