Fred Andrews, the 1993 GNCC Champion, is delighted to be "importing" the Finnish native, who will ride the new four-stroke TE310 Husqvarna.

"We’re excited to have Simo on board with us this year for the XC1 class," said Andrews. "With Jason Thomas and Morgan Moss running the XC2 class as well, I think we will have a successful season. I’m happy that we've had a good programme in the past and with our continued support, I think we can put Husky on top this year." 

"Husqvarna is very off-road minded and it’s a great opportunity for me to work with such a successful brand," said Simo. "The latest bikes are the best in the market and the 310 is for sure a podium machine, with low weight and brilliant handling. It’s a proven bike and easy to prepare for the high-end race level we need for the GNCC series. My new bike is different in many ways to the BMW I rode. With the 310cc engine, we’ve naturally lost some power against my 450cc bike from the last years, but I think the handling – especially in the tight GNCC tracks – can make up for this."

Although Simo has had little preparation time with the new TE310, he already feels completely comfortable on the new Husqvarna and after some final preparation and set-up work in Europe, he will be flying out to the USA to start this new stage of his career, which begins on 5 March. It’s a long busy season ahead for the 'flying Finn' who is hoping to find the time to race one or two selected European Cross Country events in 2011. He is also hoping to hook up with his ridding buddy Andy Lettenbichler for just one extreme enduro – the Roof of Africa – which takes place in November. Until then, watch this space for news of Simo’s progress throughout the 2011 GNCC.