Monster Energy Yamaha riders Steven Frossard and Arnaud Tonus have both taken wins in Italian and UK GP pre-season races.

In Italy Frossard rode strong in both motos, beating MX1 World Champion Tony Cairoli and teammate David Phillippaerts, despite suffering an illness throughout the weekend.

“Of course I’m happy to win today, especially because I have been a bit sick and didn’t feel 100 percent,” said Frossard.

“I rode two smart races and the second one was good fun to be a part off. The conditions were good for racing and this is mainly why we are in Italy at this time of year.”

Red Bull KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings took the MX2 class win.

In England Tonus rode his MX2 machine to victory in the rough Hawkstone sand, impressing the local crowd by taking the win over the 450 machines in the Superfinal, which included 2012 MX1 title candidate Clemente Desalle.

“I had a good feeling with the track but I have to say my bike was incredible today. Wow, a great day. I’m really happy,” said Tonus. “I had three holeshots and I think that was more than all of last season put together!”

“The power I had helped keep a good rhythm in the sand and that was important on this terrain. To be able to set that pace and beat Clement in the last moto felt really great.”

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1’s Desalle was top MX1 finisher for the weekend at Hawkstone.

The FIM Motocross World Championship Grand Prix series kicks off 9 April at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands.