Competing against Juha Salminen for the weekend, a rider widely regarded as the best Enduro racer of all time, Aubert put the finishing touches to what has been a near faultless season finishing 2nd on Day 1 in Mende, France and then 3rd on Day 2.
Starting the final round of the '08 WEC campaign with a commanding lead in the E2 class Aubert realistically needed just a handful of points from both days of competition to secure the coveted E2 title. Competing in front of a hugely enthusiastic home crowd, Aubert pushed hard on day one but was clearly riding well within his limits as he opted not to challenge for the class win. Finishing over one-minute behind winner Salminen, Aubert ensured that on day two he needed to collect only the required points in order to take the crown. By finishing 4th, and earning his 16th podium finish of the year, Aubert did exactly what he needed to do and joined Finns Mika Ahola and Samuli Aro as a '08 World Enduro Champion.
"It's amazing to be able to say that I'm world champion," Aubert said. "It hasn't sunk in yet but I know in a few days I will be so, so happy when I realise what I've achieved. It's been a long, hard year. I was nervous on day one, but on day two it wasn't so bad. I put in some good tests but I was really only thinking about the championship. I have to thanks the team for doing a great job this year. They have helped me do what I have always dreamed of, becoming world champion."
A new World Champion was crowned in the E3 class as well with KTM Enduro Factory Team rider Samuli Aro securing enough points to take the 2008 title.
The Finnish KTM factory rider picked up an additional 40 points from his two rides on the weekend, vaulting his total to 328 ahead of teammate and countryman Marko Tarkkala with 317 points, making it a great weekend for the team. The final round also secured a strong victory in the Manufacturer's title in E3 for KTM's "Made in Austria" Enduro motorcycles.
The E1 title was previously wrapped up by Honda's Mika Ahola.
Main Photo: Johhny Aubert
