Juha Salminen of the KTM Enduro Factory Team rejoined the world championship E1 competition on Saturday at the first of two races making up the French Grand Prix, finishing in third place for enough points to secure him a much deserved title.

Salminen, who is still nursing a shoulder injury, took it steady, riding for a place and the world championship title. He has been the exemplary rider in E1 this season, his first year back in European competition after several seasons competing in the USA.
 
With just one race to go to conclude the 2007 season, Salminen has won 12 races and was unable to compete in the double in Slovakia, the previous venue, because of the injury. He can now enjoy Sunday's race, riding without pressure and to entertain the large crown of spectators at the French circuit.
 
"Today was excellent conditions, the sun was shining and I think it was the best race of the season," said a clearly delighted Fabio Farioli, team boss of the KTM Enduro Factory Team.
 
Earlier in the week Farioli said that the two races would favour the French riders, who are very at home on the grassy surface.
 
Sunday's race is now a mere formality. In the unlikely event that Salminen scores no points and the race is won by second placed Italian Simone Albergoni, they would both finish the season with 320 points. The title however would still go to KTM's Salminen because he has more individual victories overall.
 
Results Saturday
1. Marc Germain, France, Yamaha
2. Simone Albergoni, Italy, Yamaha
3. Juha Salminen, Finland, KTM (World Champion)
4. Bartosz Oblucki, Poland, Husqvarna
5. Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, Yamaha
6. Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM