Coppins and Cairoli Victorious in Oven-Hot Grand Prix of France - Before a massive crowd, beneath a big blazing sun, and in record-breaking temperatures (over 100 degrees at certain points in the afternoon), Josh Coppins (MX1) and Antonio Cairoli (MX2) won the Grand Prix of France on the sweeping, picturesque Circuit du Puy de Poursay.

Round seven of the 2007 World Motocross Championship Series, Cairoli used a double moto sweep to better Frenchman Christophe Pourcel (who went 2-2 on the day) to win the highly competitive MX 2 classification. KTM works rider Tyla Rattray was third overall. In the MX1 division, Josh Coppins won yet again in France, his 1-2 moto scores bettering the 3-1 moto finishes of Steve Ramon. Third overall went to KTM pilot David Philippaerts.

“I tried to win, but it's not possible to win every race,” said a pleased Coppins after the race. “I have to maintain my points led and continue to ride well on the Yamaha. I knew Steve (Ramon) would be good today as he is coming strong and the last races he improved a lot. He was too strong in the second moto. The main thing was I had some bad lines and was using too much energy. I had used all my energy up and made many mistakes. The championship is looking good and I want to win more GPs. This GP wasn't as hard as in Mantova. I knew I would be competitve in the races today.”

David Philippaerts, who was a fine third overall in the blazing heat of France, remarked on his fondness for the St Jean circuit. “I am very happy today,” he said in the post-race press conference. “The second heat was not so good. The first heat was fast and I felt good. I like this track and the bike is working good, so I am happy. MX1 is very difficult, many riders want to win, but I won my first ever GP at this track and I really like the track here. I would like to continue to podium this year.”

Through comments he made following his sixth Grand Prix win of the season, Antonio Cairoli made all on-hand in France aware of the fact the he is proud of his Italian heritage. “Because I like to wear my colors of my country, here [France] it is important to let them know. I also wanted people to know I am from Sicily. Now, I want to win more GPs and win the title. That is what is important.”

Said Christophe Pourcel following his home Grand Prix: “I am really focused to get a win a Grand Prix and try and win every time. If I do second because Cairoli rides good, then I finish second. I don't know… When you are world champion you have pressure and you are not sure you can get another title. It makes it difficult. I think Cairoli had the same last year. I didn't have a special weekend; I did my race and did what I could do to win.”