Teenager Loic Larrieu negotiated a tumultuous debut season in the MX2-GP World Championship in 2009 as he acclimatised to the demands and requisites of the class and competition. An undoubted highlight was the unexpected 3rd place obtained at Ernee for his home Grand Prix but several problems with injuries meant that he was unable to spray podium champagne on another occasion. His 8 top ten finishes from 30 motos and promising speed ensured that he remained a name among the burgeoning group of young French talent that has permeated the top flight.

Larrieu breached the world championship on an impressive junior record of results and coming through arguably some of the toughest youth racing series in Europe. His signature was keenly sought thanks to some notable turns in the European championship; a competition that gets harder and with more depth of talent each year. 2008 saw the Frenchman take a chequered flag in what is fast becoming a world championship feeder series. At the highest level he did not go unnoticed and at St Jean D’ Angely for his home Grand Prix he recorded two top twelve positions and his maiden points.

His propensity for decent starts and an effective and clinical riding style saw him adapt quickly to Grand Prix speed. While he undoubtedly had a lot to learn and suffered bumps and bruises through his six month GP education, the podium finish at Ernee was outstanding and marked an achievement rarely obtained by debutants. 13th overall capped an inconsistent but still impressive first attempt.

With the age limitation of 23 years affecting the MX2-GP class from 2010, Larrieu represents one example of the excellence Yamaha is looking to foster among the motocross elite. He will be the main thrust of the Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci Motocross team’s MX2-GP effort in ’10 even if an off-season injury to both shoulders means that he will be rushing to be 100% for the start of the season.