Pranata unsure of his chance in Motocross World C'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian crosser Johnnie "The Cat" Pranata is still unsure about his chances in the Bentoel Motocross World Championships in Yogyakarta this weekend.

"I can't talk about my chances now. Many world crossers, who will compete here, are much better than we are but I'll do my best," he said on Monday.

The Surabaya-based crosser, who rides a Suzuki, is still waiting for his new bike. He has confirmed his participation in the championships.

Another Surabaya crosser, Eddy Sumampouw, will also take part in the upcoming championships, which will be held at the Pugeran circuit, Yogyakarta.

Satya Soenarso from Yogyakarta, who rides a Yamaha, will also compete against compatriots Johnnie and Eddy.

Last year's third world champion Kawasaki rider Sebastian Tortelli of France, who is expected to arrive here tomorrow, is again favored to win the race. Tortelli won last year's championship held on the same track.

Last year, the Kawasaki team finished third in the manufacturing class with 323 points, after Yamaha, 399, and Honda, 386.

Tortelli's chances of winning the championships will be greater after last year's world champion Alessandro Puzar, of the Honda-Italy team, and runner-up Alessie Chiodi (Yamaha-Italy), who has moved to the 250cc class, will skip the championships. Tortelli is still in first place with 158 points after winning the fifth round in Hungary on May 19.

Antara reported that many crossers from Europe arrived in Yogyakarta yesterday.

"Tortelli left London on Tuesday and after a transit in Singapore, will arrive here Thursday," Faryd Sungkar, the organizer's secretary said. (yan)