Coppins bound for Australia

CDR Yamaha has pulled off a major coup, landing the signature of former world No. 2 Josh Coppins for the 2011 Australian motocross season.

After 15 years on the world motocross circuit in Europe, Coppins will return to live in his native New Zealand and race in a combined ANZAC arrangement that will see him contest both the 2011 New Zealand and Australian Motocross Championships.

"I have been looking at retiring from the GP circuit for some time now and returning back home to New Zealand, but the right opportunity hadn't eventuated until now," said Coppins. "The arrangement with Yamaha in both countries and CDR Rockstar Yamaha is the perfect fit for me at this stage of my career and I still have plenty of racing left in me.

"The Australian motocross scene is now world class and a team like CDR Rockstar Yamaha is every bit as professional as what you would see in the pit paddocks of Europe or in the USA."

Coppins is a four-time podium finisher in world motocross championships - once in the 250cc class (2003) and three times in MX1 (2004-2005/2007).

Coppins announced his retirement from the world motocross circuit over the weekend, effective from the final round this year in Fermo, Italy. Coppins will then return to New Zealand for a quick refresh before taking possession of his new Yamaha YZ450F and competing in the New Zealand Motocross Championship throughout the summer.

His Australian season starts in late March at the opening round of the MX Nationals.

Last week, CDR announced that Jay Marmont had re-signed for another year, where he will be chasing a fourth consecutive Open class title.

The last New Zealander to win the Open title in Australia was Daryl Hurley in 2005.