Second Spanish round of the year takes place this weekend at Montmelo (Barcelona). Luis Salom, Zulfahmi Khairuddin and Arthur Sissis have special motivation to do well at sixth Grand Prix of the campaign.

Six weeks after starting the European appointments of the season at Jerez, the series returns to Spain for the Catalan Grand Prix. The Red Bull KTM Ajo team head into the sixth round of the year off the back of a second win of 2013, courtesy of Luis Salom at Mugello. The team is also on a run of 18 consecutive podium finishes. Home rider Salom and teammates Zulfahmi Khairuddin and Arthur Sissis are highly motivated for what is a home round of sorts for them.

Luis Salom took an intelligent victory at Mugello that helped him to consolidate his second place in the overall standings and close the gap to the leader –which is now cut to just four points. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is looking to add another good result to his CV, at one of the few tracks that he has been unable to achieve success so far. The support of the fans will be an incentive to turn that around.

Teammate Zulfahmi Khairuddin visits the country where he spends the most days throughout the year when not at home. The Circuit de Catalunya is a perfect layout for his riding style and he qualified second for last year’s race.

Arthur Sissis lives in nearby Tarragona during the season. His main objective this weekend is to make up for a disappointing race at Mugello and return to the front. The Australian also celebrates his eighteenth birthday this Saturday.

Circuit information – Catalunya
Length: 4.727 m. / 2,937 miles
Width: 12 metres
Left corners: 5
Right corners: 8
Longest straight: 1.047 m. / 0,651 miles
Constructed: 1991
Modified: 1995

Luís Salom
“This is the second home race this season and we are eager to race at Montmelo. Riding in Spain is always exciting, because you have all your friends and fans cheering you on. It is very special. The Circuit de Catalunya is a track that I like, is very wide and has fast corners. For one reason or another I have never had a good result at this Grand Prix, so getting a good position here will be a motivation. It’s going to be a fun race.”

Arthur Sissis
“After the race at Mugello and the test we did last week, I have been wanting to get back to racing and get a good result. This track is not one of my favourites, but it’s not that I don’t like it. Turn 3, the long right hander, and the left hander at Turn 7 are the most fun parts. Last year I didn’t have a good race, so I hope that this will change. Saturday is a special day, so I hope to celebrate it with a good result on the bike.”

Zulfhami Khairuddin
“When the Catalan Grand Prix comes around I have a special feeling. I’m a little Catalan, I suppose! I think this is a great track, where I have always had a good feeling with the bike. This year will be more difficult because there are more fast riders every time. I’ll have to work hard, especially in the practice sessions and the qualifying session, in order to have the best possible race. The track has fast corners and allows you to reach high speeds, and I am very comfortable with this. Last year we had a good qualifying session, but the Sunday was difficult. With a bit of luck, this year we will improve.”