Estonian Tanel Leok will join Clement Desalle at Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 in the 2012 FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship.

Leok has been drafted into the team as a second rider and is no stranger to the bike or the set-up. Leok was granted Joel Smets’ factory motorcycle in 2004 when the young Estonian impressed during the inaugural MX1 series with a string of outings on the RM250.

He used the RM-Z450 to post his first top-three moto finish in Ireland that year at 19 years of age. Now 26, and having won GPs with two other brands and taken the Italian TM to victory during 2011, Leok has his best chance yet of success.

“I’m changing team again but for sure I’m really happy because I am joining one of the very best in the paddock,” Leok said. “It was a great feeling to get the offer from Suzuki and it is also special for me because it is with the company and group that I made my breakthrough.

“I had some good results in 2004 at a young age and I can remember how nice that Suzuki was to race. I have a good chance for next season and it is very motivating. I cannot wait.”

Desalle is also looking forward to his third successive season with the factory Suzuki squad.

The 22-year-old has finished in the top three of the world championship standings for the last three seasons and led six of the first seven rounds of the 2011 campaign, winning four races in total.

“Of course I’m happy to be with the team for another year, we work very well together and that has shown in the results since we started in 2010,” said Desalle. “I already made my decision some time ago and I have a great feeling with the RM-Z450 so there was not much difficulty in thinking about 2012.

“We have been close to doing something really good on two occasions now. I want to get fit and get my mind focussed on 2012 as soon as possible.”

Desalle is currently recovering from shoulder surgery after sitting out the final stages of this season through injury.