Frenchman Gautier Paulin is to leave HRC Honda as he’s signed for the Husqvarna factory MXGP team for the 2017 and 2018 season. The former MXGP series runner-up will enter the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship alongside team-mates Max Nagl and 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.
Paulin said: “I’m really excited to be part of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna. 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.”
Husqvarna boss Robert Jonas said: “Gautier Paulin has been one of the best riders in MXGP for quite some time and we are excited to have him on board. We strongly believe he has the speed to win GPs and a vast amount of experience to remain in the battle for championship honours during the next two seasons.”
And race team boss, former GP rider Antti Pyrhönen, said: “We’re really looking forward to working with Gautier Paulin. Gautier is a true professional motocross racer and I believe he will be a perfect fit to our team alongside Nagl and Anstie. He is extremely motivated to succeed and he has already shown his huge potential in the past. His speed and riding technique are simply unquestionable. We’re very happy that he joins our team for the next two years. Our goal is to provide him with all the necessary tools in order to battle for podium results and GP victories as soon as the new season starts.”