Newly crowned New Zealand Supercross Champion and former MX2 World Motocross and AMA Supercross Lites champion Ben Townley will line up for the first three rounds of the MX1 FIM Motocross World Championship.

The 25-year-old New Zealander will race for the official factory Honda Racing MX Team which will mark his first appearance on European soil since he represented Team NZ at the Motocross of Nations in 2006 at Matterly Basin in the UK.

Having been a serious threat to the 2005 MX1 World championship title where he battled MX legend Stefan Everts and countryman Josh Coppins to win four GPs, Townley is aiming high and will be a serious threat to reigning world champion Antonio Cairoli and a strong field of international contenders.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Europe,” commented the Kiwi. “It is perfect fit for me right now to get back to racing and will help me prepare for the outdoor champs in USA. I‘ve also been racing in NZ and getting back to speed which has been part of my plan to get myself back into racing shape.

“I’ve raced in Sevlievo [Bulgaria] and Valkenswaard [The Netherlands] before, so I know those tracks well and have been on the podium in Sevlievo and twice in Valkenswaard – Fermo [Italy] will be new to everyone so I hope to continue the result there too.

“The Euro fans are so passionate about racing and I have good fan base there, which will be a great way to get back into international racing. I have no doubt that Paulo, Lorenzo and the Honda Racing MX Team will support me in the best possible way and make it an easy transition for going back to America. They will be able to help me test my legs while in Europe. ”

Following his GP return, Townley will turn his attention to the American AMA Motocross National Championship, where he’ll contest the series for Troy Lee Designs Honda.

Team owner Paolo Martin is excited to have come to an agreement with BT101.

“It will be great for us to have Ben in our team,” Martin said. “This is a great opportunity for us to improve and develop our bike – Ben is an experienced rider and his advice and feedback will be precious.”

Lorenzo Resta, team manager, also expressed his enthusiasm.

“I’m so proud to have Ben in our team – I have tried hard to have Ben for all the season but, unfortunately, it was not possible,” he explained. “Now this a little dream that becomes real and it will give us huge media exposure. This is a first step in the direction of 2011 when the race calendars of AMA and MX1 will hopefully be compatible.”

Townley will team up with young American hopeful Jimmy Albertson on the factory CRF450R.

“I’m really excited to have Ben on the team for the first three races,” Albertson said. “I believe I can learn a lot from BT in those three races with him being the incredible racer that he is.”

The championship kicks off in Bulgaria on 3-4 April.