Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha’s Gautier Paulin is anticipating a ‘totally difference experience’ this weekend as the MXGP World Championship heads to Shangai in China for the very first time.

Paulin currently holds third in the championship standings ahead of the season finale, however he’ll have a fight on his hands for the position with in-form Dutchman Glenn Coldenhoff (Standing Construct KTM), who sits just 11 points in arrears.

“I am looking forward to China,” Paulin commented. “I had a really good feeling in Turkey last weekend, the result wasn’t where I wanted it to be, but I felt really healthy and strong. The track in China looks good from the pictures that I have seen.

“It will be a totally different experience and atmosphere out there and I really love to go to new tracks, so I can’t wait to be there. I am looking forward to a safe trip out there and to enjoying it with our full crew where we hope to make some good results.”

Following this weekend’s world championship finals, Paulin will represent defending champion squad Team France at Assen’s 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands.