Truly a young man with green blood coursing through his veins – he has ridden Kawasaki exclusively since getting his first bike at the age of six – Grégory’s first contact with bikes did not actually come on the motocross track; he learnt to ride on forest tracks in his native southern France, accompanying his father at the wheel of a 4x4.

His first race came one year later at Sommières on a Kawasaki KX60 and in 1999, after winning several regional titles, was selected by the French federation to join the national squad under the watchful eye of former champion Jean Jacques Bruno.

But his career really took off in 2002 as the Aranda family joined forces with the Pourcel family. Grégory and Christophe trained and raced together in the 80cc class as they swept all before them. Crowned 85cc champion of France in 2004, Grégory moved to the 125cc class the following year but first ligament damage, later a broken leg, kept him out of action for much of the season.

There were high expectations from Grégory as he moved to the GPs aboard a KX250F alongside the Pourcel brothers in 2006, but the stocky teenager struggled to display his known talent during three seasons in the MX2 class in the wake of those 2005 injuries. However, on entering the MX1 class in the French championship aboard a KX450F in 2008, he immediately found the perfect playground for his undoubted skills, ending the year on a genuine high as he made the best individual performance in the European Motocross of Nations.

Greg confirmed his potential on a “big bike” throughout 2009, and, transferring to the Kawasaki Bud Racing team in October, he proved that he is the fastest supercross rider in Europe with a series of stunning victories in the European championship and a podium alongside world champion James Stewart at Paris Bercy.

For sure there is more to come from Grégory Aranda. This vibrant young athlete has responded positively to a winter of intensive training and advice from Jacky Vimond, only just missing the top ten in a guest appearance in the ultra-competitive World Supercross Championship in California during a month long trip to the USA together with Vimond and teammate Nico Aubin.

Grégory Aranda: “I had the opportunity during the winter to join several teams, but I felt that Bud Racing offered the best package for me, particularly with the possibility to work with Jacky Vimond. Our preparation in California went really well, and I’m sure that it will be reflected in my results this season. I already had good lap times and several top ten finishes last year, but now I expect to be more consistent and to be able to challenge for even higher finishes.”

Career Resume