French motocross hero Gautier Paulin, one of the trio instrumental in Team France winning the Motocross of Nations for the past three seasons, will leave Honda and now race for Husqvarna.

Paulin will race for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team throughout the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The former MXGP series runner-up will enter the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship alongside team-mates Max Nagl, of Germany, and Britain’s Max Anstie.

One of the fastest talents in MXGP today, the 26-year-old Frenchman has a total of eight MX1 and MXGP overall class victories to his credit, with the highlight of his illustrious career coming in 2015 when he placed as runner-up in the MXGP World Championship. Helping Team France secure victory at the 2016 Motocross of Nations at Maggiora, Gautier has been a part of France’s winning MXoN team during the past three years.

No stranger to top-level motocross competition Paulin made his FIM Motocross World Championship debut in 2007, before going on to commit to a full GP schedule two years later. Wrapping up his career in MX2 with three GP victories and a strong third overall in the 2009 championship, he then moved up to the premier class for his first full season in 2012.

As a welcome addition to the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing squad, Gautier Paulin will join highly experienced MXGP campaigner Max Nagl and 450cc rookie Max Anstie in a hugely promising MXGP team that will continue to be managed by former GP racer Antti Pyrhönen.

“I’m really excited to be part of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna,” said Paulin.

“In our sport there are no limits to improvement and I believe I’ve got everything I need now to take my riding a step further. I’m in a very professional team that’s proven they have the potential to win championships. We have a very good base in terms of equipment and the best support to battle for the top.

“Obviously, I need time to adapt to my new bike but my goal is to get the best feeling I ever had on a bike. With 20 rounds announced for next year’s MXGP series, it’s going to be more important than ever to remain consistent and stay away from injuries. My plan is to work harder than ever to get familiar with the bike and prepare myself for every different kind of track.”

© Main photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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