GHR Honda team manager Glenn Hoffman believes a solid testing program and momentum from previous events should propel his riders, brothers Jacob and Todd Smith, to the front of the field as the 2013 Australasian Safari kicks off today,

The Smith brothers can lay claim to the past two Safari titles – Jacob in 2012, and Todd in 2011 – and have the 2013 results on the board to back up these performances and challenge for a one-two finish.

Hoffman is satisfied the testing program aboard the team’s Honda CRF450X enduro machines has the riders well prepared for the week-long, 3200 kilometre challenge that awaits them.

“Testing went well and Simon has again done a great job with the bikes, the boys are very happy with their Honda 450Xs,” said Hoffman.

“Jacob and Todd have been swapping Outright wins in the desert all year long on both their GHR Honda 450Rs and 450Xs – so hopefully it is one of the boys.

“The Safari is a very cruel race to man and machine and I think the person who is best prepared and has the least downtime will do well.”

The Smith brothers have claimed one-two finishes in both the Condo 750 and Finke Desert Race this year, and are eyeing a repeat performance when the Safari wraps up in Geraldton next week.

The Honda CRF450X has a strong track record over the last two years of the Australasian Safari, taking five of the top 10 riders to the finish line.