The fact that Suzuki Europe MX2’s Valentin Teillet is still not fit and has been replaced for three back-to-back GPs in France, Portugal and Spain by a teenage Italian is perhaps not as important as the significance behind the move. The factory-chiselled RM-Z250 will be given to a grand prix novice although the eighteen year old is a promising rider, and the decision by Suzuki to reward/support their young gaggle of motocrossers gasping in the wings is entirely heartening in a modern age where motorsport has become more elitist.

Simone Zecchina should earn his spurs on the two-strokes – embedded as an important first stage of development by the FIM – step up to the European Championship in 2012 riding 250cc four-strokes and then look towards an FIM World Championship berth. His draft into the German-Belgian crew shows that the pyramid has credence (especially with both junior series enjoying some limelight with several rounds being held at Grand Prix events) and that promise and dedication can pay off with a temporary shortcut…

“We have been able to give him a chance – not even a chance, it is more of a ‘gift’ – for the results he has been able to give to the brand so far and for coming back well from an injury that kept him out for most of last season,” said Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher.

“I hope what we might be able to see are more European Suzuki dealerships working closer together to build up a ‘stock’ of Suzuki riders that can fill in for others if things like injuries come around,” he added. “Overall we want to show people that the system works and that by doing well on a 125 or in the European Championship then getting into Grands Prix is totally possible.”