The young Scot makes his final preparations for the long and tough season that lies ahead of him. Simpson has spent the winter months based at his new home in Belgium under the watchful eye of the legendary Stefan Everts.

The ten times World motocross champion has been closely monitoring the progress of the KTM factory’s latest recruit as he has embarked on an intensive training programme to put Shaun in the top form for a full out assault on the 2009 MX2 World title.

Since signing his two-year factory deal last summer, Simpson has been fully aware of his priorities and goals for 2009. Winning the MX2 World Championship remains the most important objective both for KTM and Shaun, with the fifteen Grand Prix meetings taking precedence over all other competitions.

In addition to the World series Shaun has also committed himself to contesting all eight rounds of the official Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship in an attempt to defend the domestic crown he won late last year.

With Simpson’s riding activities having been limited to trials and enduro training over the last few months as part of his winter programme devised by KTM trainer Hugo America, the reigning Maxxis champion was glad to get back out on track proper last week.

Shaun explained about the year ahead.

“I feel in the best shape ever, the winter lay off has allowed my body to recover, and the training programme has really helped to take my fitness to the next level. I am really hungry to be riding again, and I am looking forward to riding as much as possible over the coming days in Spain.”

“Mantova on 8th February will be a good chance to gauge where I am up to, but whilst I will be doing my best to win, I am also aware that there is a long season ahead of me with the main focus being on the World championship that kicks off in Italy at the end of March.

"Apart from a few pre-season internationals I have not committed to any other races at the moment outside of the GPs and the Maxxis British championship, as they are my two main priorities and will tie up twenty three weekends in total.” Simpson continued.