|
Team Suzuki
TEKA SUZUKI ONE-TWO IN WORLD MX1
The Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 win-streak continues in the 2008 FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship with reigning World Champion Steve Ramon taking overall victory in deep, difficult and some might say dangerous conditions at Bellpuig in Spain on his factory RM-Z450 while Ken De Dycker finished third to stay on top of the series standings.
With Team Teka Suzuki WMX1's owner Sylvain Geboers claiming the conditions were the worst he's ever seen at a motocross race, getting a good start was vital and Ramon delivered the goods by getting out of the gate and around turn one in third position in the opening - and as it turned out, only - moto.
After making easy work of Marc De Reuver, Ramon stalked early leader Jonathan Barragan for the first three laps before passing the Spanish star and then pulling away to a seemingly easy victory in the difficult conditions.
"I had a good start in third place and moved past De Reuver in the second turn and then took things easy," said Ramon. "I was running second when Barragan made a mistake in front of me and I took the lead. It was really difficult to ride the track and you had to concentrate hard because there were some really deep bumps and ruts, which you couldn't see because of the deep water.
"My riding was good and the bike was good and I won the moto which was good also of course. With the organisers cancelling the second moto it means I have won the overall, which is the first MX1 Grand Prix I have ever won and also the first GP win I have had in a very long time. I am really happy."
While Ramon did things the easy way, De Dycker had to battle hard through the pack after crashing a couple of times on the opening lap. Using plenty of brute strength and aggression, he soon worked his way up to third behind his team-mate Ramon and David Philippaerts who finished second.
"There was one heat only today and I managed to get third after two crashes in the first lap," he claimed. "It was very difficult and on every lap, on every obstacle, you had to concentrate hard because the track was always changing and the mud and water was hiding the bumps and ruts.
"I'm still leading the championship by seven points which I am very happy about. I've never led the series before and to be leading for two rounds in a row is really good for me."
The second of the day's MX1 motos was cancelled after a riders' meeting minutes before the race was due to begin meaning the overall result stood after just one race. The riders collectively decided the conditions were way too dangerous to race on as an abundance of standing water and mud made it almost impossible to predict what lay beneath the sloppy surface of the Bellpuig circuit.
 |
KTM Racing
Nagl survives mud and rough conditions in Bellpuig MX1 GP
Max Nagl of the Red Bull KTM MX1 factory team tackled mud, ruts and pouring rain at the Grand Prix in Spain to salvage two championship points on a day where the conditions were so bad the second race was scrapped.
"Today was not really rideable," the German rider said. Max, who was up with the front runners in Saturday's time practice on the hard packed and still dry Spanish circuit was in the top three at the start of the first race. Then he got into a tangle with David Philippaerts in the first corner and was not able to make up the gap. Like most of the riders he had difficulty with the bad ruts on the track and lost more time going back to pit lane to change goggles and gloves.
Terrible conditions
"The conditions were terrible for everyone," said KTM team boss Stefan Everts. Max lost time in the crash on the first corner. He struggled from then on and he lost some more time because he had to change his goggles. If the conditions had been better he could have been in the top five."
 MX2 Grand Prix of Spain a battle with mud and conditions
Red Bull KTM factory rider Tyla Rattray saved his day with a win in the first moto at Bellpuig Spain on Sunday to hold onto the red number plate as the championship leader on a day where the weather was the overall winner.
Rain fell continually from 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning and the track was badly cut up to the extent that Rattray described it as more of a battle than a race. With the track still acceptable in the first race, Tyla won the holeshot and stayed out in front to finish with more than a minute lead over second place Antonio Cairoli the current title holder. By the second moto the track was badly cut up with most riders, including Rattray getting stuck in the ruts and the mud. KTM team boss Stefan Everts also said conditions, especially in the second race were unacceptable. "Tyla won the first heat with a big lead and he was in a good position in the second race but then he got stuck in the mud," he said. Tyla finished fifth in to final GP classification adding 29 points to his championship tally.
Searle no fan of wet conditions
Tommy Searle is no fan of the wet conditions. He did manage to take the holeshot in the second race but then had a crash and had to go into the pit lane to change goggles and gloves. "Saturday was OK but Sunday was difficult," he said. I just tried to finish the race and to pick up some points. It was no great race today but it's a long championship."
Goncalves saves day with fourth place in race two
Rui Goncalves, the third Red bull KTM rider was also without luck on a day where few riders escaped incidents. "The race was a mess," he said. "The first heat was quite good in the beginning but then I got stuck in a rut and stalled the bike. I didn't have a very good start in the second race but I just wanted to survive and manage to finish. My fourth place in race two saved my day.
Rui rides before his home crowd in Portugal in the next GP next weekend and all three Red Bull KTM riders plan to now go to straight to Portugal and get some practice for the event.
Molson Kawasaki Racing
Podiums for Paulin and Sword at Bellpuig
Molson Kawasaki celebrate in Spain as Stephen Sword takes third overall in MX2 while Gautier Paulin takes his maiden moto podium finish and Tom Church scores a scorching seventh in MX1.
Round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship held at Bellpuig in Spain turned into a real battle of attrition as persistent rain dampened the Catalunyan circuit into a muddy mess littered with impassable ruts, hills and puddles.
Starting in prime condition for Saturday’s qualifying sessions the circuit deteriorated so badly that the second MX1 moto was cancelled just moments prior to its start after the riders and organisers mutually decided that it would be just too dangerous to race. Standing water on the start straight was a problem as early as MX2 moto one as both Stephen Sword and Gautier Paulin found out on their factory KX250F-SRs.
 “I got a good jump off the line in moto one but coming into turn one I got hit by the big tidal wave and I couldn’t see anything – just black,” explained Stephen. “I ran out wide and ended up out in the slop and I was somewhere in the top 15. I just chipped away all race long and made sure I didn’t crash, I made a couple of small mistakes but nothing like some people were making. I got myself up to fourth at the finish and I was happy with that.”
Paulin wouldn’t make it to the finish after tangling at the start with another rider and crashing in a deep puddle. “I crashed at the start of the first race and my bike took in some water because I went down in a deep puddle and I had to stop,” said Gautier. Luckily things would get better for the Frenchman in moto two.
“In the second race I started quite well and I was riding well also,” claimed Gautier. “When the rain stopped the track became stickier and it made riding it very difficult – especially on the uphill steps where a lot of riders were getting stuck and blocking the track.
“I knew that if I could finish this race I would do well and my mechanic was letting me know my position was improving all the time – I was fifth, then fourth and then when the red flag came out I was leading but they took the result from one lap before when I was third. I’m happy for sure but I’m also happy for my mechanic, the team and all of my sponsors.”
Sword meanwhile started well but found the going a little bit tougher. “In the second race I got a mega start and took the holeshot – well actually I think Tommy Searle took the holeshot but he crashed. Guarneri came past but I passed him back and took the lead but I made a mistake on the hill with the step-up on it and Guarneri, Rattray and Aubin all came past so I was back to fourth.
“I took the lead back again at the three uphill steps but went down straight away because I lost some momentum. I spent ages restarting the bike because the kickstart was all slippery and I think I lost a lap there. I got going again and unlapped myself and just kept at it. I saw P10 on my pitboard, then P8 and I was thinking ‘this is going good’ and then I got stuck in the green netting.
“Everything was all covered in mud and I ended up taking my gloves off and my hands were rolling around on the grips as I rode. I got stuck again right at the end but nobody came by because I think they were all stuck on that hill.
“When I look back at the race I think if I hadn’t made all the mistakes I could have won the moto and then I’d have won the GP too but I’m definitely happy with third overall – it’s great to be on a Grand Prix podium again.”
Molson Kawasaki’s satellite MX1 rider Tom Church also did the team proud by riding a strong consistent moto on his KX450F to finish seventh up amongst the full factory riders. “I made a decision before the race to hold back at the start because there was no way I was going to get the holeshot from where I was near the outside of the gate and I knew there’d be some crashes in the first corner. My plan worked and I was as high as 10th on the first lap.
“From there I just plugged away. A few guys pulled in for fresh goggles, which I maybe should have done too as my eyes were hurting and my vision was getting blurry as they filled with mud but I just concentrated hard and stuck with it. I managed to keep it on two wheels and I think only Ramon and myself managed that.
“My bike ran great all race long, a lot of bikes broke down or sucked water and ran rough but mine was sweet, I rode smart and conserved my energy. Although I was up to fifth at one point I’m still pleased to finish seventh – it’s been a good day for me.”
Kawasaki Racing Team MX1
Leok a fighting fifth in saturated Spain
Kawasaki Racing Team’s Tanel Leok and Manuel Priem battle it out in the worst conditions imaginable at round two of the MX1 World Championship at Bellpuig in Spain.
In dangerously deep conditions Tanel Leok and Manuel Priem powered their factory Kawasaki KX450F-SRs to points paying positions during round two of the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championships at Bellpuig in Spain. With conditions being so bad due to the amount of standing water on the track, racing ends early as the MX1 riders collectively decide it’s just too dangerous to contemplate racing a second moto in the mud and ruts.
After qualifying fifth just over one second slower than pole sitter Sebastien Pourcel in very different dry conditions on Saturday afternoon Tanel Leok’s hopes were high of a good result even after the rains fell. Gating inside the top five, Leok made a mistake, which meant the Estonian Express had to battle hard to carve back through the pack.
“The start was okay but in the second corner I hit a hay bale and got stuck a little bit,” explained Tanel. “I ended the first lap in seventh and moved up to fourth on the second lap but I made a mistake on the uphill and I crashed and then got up and crashed again and hurt my bad shoulder a little bit. The conditions were a little bit dangerous because you could not see what was underneath the water. I finally finished fifth so I’m happy with that and I feel like I was riding quite well.”
Priem also didn’t get the best of starts and had to fight through the pack on his way to precious World Championship points. “On the start straight conditions were so bad I only got halfway before I could see nothing,” claimed Manuel. “I think I started more or less last and at the end of the first lap I was already 15th because so many guys crashed. I took one uphill on the second lap and Aigar Leok was stuck on the inside and Sebastien Pourcel had crashed on the outside so I took the middle and I got stuck in the ruts. From there I just rode at my own pace and I finished 15th.
“Racing today was a little bit like Poker, you either pick a good card or you pick a bad card – it was all about luck. My mechanic Rene said my lap times were good so I’m happy with that and now I must look toward Portugal where I had my best results last season.”
Today’s results mean both KRT riders now sit in the top-10 of the World Championship series standings with Priem eighth and Leok 10th. The next round of the MX1 World Championship will take place at Agueda in Portugal on April 27.
With the development of the KX450F-SR being number one priority for Kawasaki’s factory MX1 motocross teams – Kawasaki Racing Team and Grand Prix Kawasaki Racing – will begin to work closely together to ensure the maximum amount of technical information and feedback can be shared back and forth between the two teams. Belgian GPKR rider Kevin Strijbos will be the first beneficiary of this combined team effort.
“After Valkenswaard we wanted to see improvements in our MX1 results,” said Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki’s European Race Planning Manager. “Both factory MX1 teams – GPKR and KRT – will work together to give our riders the best package possible to improve their overall confidence. I’m sure better results will follow.”
 |
Grand Prix Kawasaki Racing
Kevin Strijbos survives Spanish mud
After two weeks of intensive training and testing the Grand Prix Kawasaki Racing team confirmed that they’re heading in the right direction with a strong showing at the Grand Prix of Spain in Bellpuig.
The track of Bellpuig – home of the Spanish Grand Prix for more than 10 years now – was in perfect condition on Saturday for the qualification sessions. Fastest during the free practice sessions on a dry and fast circuit, Sébastien Pourcel posted the fastest lap during the timed practice period too while his team-mate Kevin Strijbos had more troubles. Kevin damaged his left thumb during the second free practice session and with a painful hand could only finish 21st in qualifying.
The rain came early on Sunday morning and never stopped. The track got worse all day long and with so much water in many places it was totally impossible for the riders to know exactly where to put their wheels. Both GPKR riders missed a good start in the opening race as they had wheelspin on the grid and then lost time in the first corner due to a pile-up. Kevin recovered to come back to sixth after a consistent race while Sébastien crashed three times and finally retired with a damaged bike.
The second MX1 race was cancelled as the track was totally ruined by the rain and previous races - even the second MX2 heat was stopped by a red flag after 30 minutes of racing.
 In the veteran’s class GPKR’s Thierry Godfroid climbed on the podium with a sixth and a fourth position for third overall.
Kevin Strijbos: “After Valkenswaard we had two busy weeks, with several meetings and testing sessions to improve our performances. I was pleased with the bike here but unfortunately I hurt my thumb during the free practice session and it was painful for the timed session - especially on the jumps. I took painkillers and we put tape on my thumb for the race and I had less pain on this muddy track. I had a good jump off the gate but I had wheelspin so lost time and had to brake before the first corner to avoid the crash. Then I did my own race and came back sixth - that’s better than Valkenswaard and I’m pretty happy with my weekend. On Monday I will visit my doctor to check my thumb and see if any ligaments or bones are damaged.”
Sébastien Pourcel: “Yesterday I proved that I had the speed to be in front – I was faster in all the sessions and that was good. It was worse today for the races, I had wheel spin on the grid and then it was too late to have a good start as I was last in the first corner. Then I crashed three times during the race - it was not my day. After the first lap I stopped in the pits to take new goggles and gloves, I wanted to score points and I knew that it would be a difficult race. But I made too many mistakes today and in my last crash I damaged the bike. I will stay in Spain with the other French riders to prepare for the next round in Portugal, the weekend was not good for results but I’m optimistic for the following rounds as I know my real level.”
Alexandre Rouis: “It was better here than in Valkenswaard, for sure to be first reserve rider is not what I expect as the goal is to qualify for the GP. It would have been possible to do the second heat but we didn’t race so I will have to wait a few more days...”
Patrick Geladé: “First of all we got a podium with Thierry Godfroid in the veteran’s class riding a KX250F against many 450s and we are pleased for him. Today the track was dangerous and it was like a lottery as even the best riders can crash because of a lapper who is on the best line. Kevin had a bad day yesterday but rode well today, he was strong despite his injury and he is now seventh in the standings. For sure we are disappointed with the results of Sébastien today – he is fast and ready but unlucky. He lost time in the first corner and then crashed three times, I’m sure that it would have been totally different with another start and he will soon prove what he can achieved.”
Roger Pourcel: “Saturday was great for us, the track was perfect and Sébastien was faster than his rivals. Today was very different, the track was tough with so much rain since last night. Sébastien didn’t score any points with several crashes, that’s racing of course but it’s not what we expect. Alexandre didn’t qualify but he was closer than in the Netherlands – he needs now to work harder to be in the top 30.”
With the development of the KX450F-SR being number one priority for Kawasaki’s factory MX1
motocross teams – Kawasaki Racing Team and Grand Prix Kawasaki Racing – will begin to work closely together to ensure the maximum amount of technical information and feedback can be shared back and forth between the two teams. Belgian GPKR rider Kevin Strijbos will be the first beneficiary of this combined team effort.
“After Valkenswaard we wanted to see improvements in our MX1 results,” said Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki’s European Race Planning Manager. “Both factory MX1 teams – GPKR and KRT – will work together to give our riders the best package possible to improve their overall confidence. I’m sure better results will follow.”
HONDA RACING
Crowd: 15,324.
Weather:
Saturday – Mostly sunny with variable wind and light showers, 16 deg C
Sunday – Overcast with heavy rain, 12 deg C
Billy Mackenzie survives Spanish mud bath to keep championship leaders in sight
Controversy and the cancellation of the second MX1 moto brought a premature end to the Grand Prix of Spain at Bellpuig today, the second round of this year’s FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship. In what have been described as the worst conditions for a world championship motocross race ever, CAS Honda rider Billy Mackenzie was Honda’s sole points scorer as Martin Honda rider Marc De Reuver was disqualified and both Julien Bill and Mike Brown struggled to slog their way through the deep muddy conditions.
After the riders enjoyed almost perfect track conditions for Saturday’s qualifying sessions, heavy overnight rain turned the Bellpuig circuit into a sodden mess for race day. Despite the prospect of less than ideal racing conditions more than 15,000 Spanish fans poured into the Bellpuig circuit to see the world’s best motocross racers.
From the start of moto one both MacKenzie and De Reuver got away inside the top five but hit trouble during the carnage of the opening circuit. Along with fellow factory supported Honda riders Julien Bil and Mike Brown, they finished the first lap outside of the top-20.
While Mackenzie – who was clearly enjoying the conditions – began to carve his way through the pack De Reuver was shown the black flag. The Martin Honda rider was disqualified after the start marshal claimed the Dutchman had ridden around the inside of the start gate as it fell. With no chance to appeal De Reuver’s disqualification is final.
Mackenzie reached as high as fifth place before the grinding muddy conditions destroyed his brake pads slowing his progress. The problem had already cost the 24-year-old Scotsman one position to Tanel Leok before he crashed on the final lap trying to get around lapped rider Max Nagl. He finally finished his turbulent race in eighth position. MacKenzie was the only Honda points scorer in the race won by reigning world champion Steve Ramon.
American rider Mike Brown found the deep mud conditions difficult on his CAS Honda and was unable to battle through the pack after losing his goggles early in the race.
Honda Martin’s Swiss star Julien Bill had a similar race to Brown and after a promising start on his factory Honda lost a lot of time retrieving the CRF450R from an impassable rut. Continuing to circulate until the end Bill finished pointless in 21st position.
The second MX2 moto was red flagged in the chaotic closing stages of the race when one of the stepped Bellpuig hills became blocked with fallen riders, the track was now virtually unridable. The MX1 riders met to discuss the safety aspect of racing of racing on the waterlogged track where many deep holes were hidden by surface water and mud, consequently the second MX1 race of the day was cancelled.
The world championship continues next weekend at Agueda for the Grand Prix of Portugal on April 20
Roger Harvey – Honda Off-Road coordinator: “It was a shame for Billy MacKenzie to lose out the way he did on the last lap. He had a great ride to come through the pack after his trouble on the first lap, up to fifth place. It was an excellent ride from him considering the conditions.
“Mike Brown struggled with mud in his eyes, all the riders had trouble with it but his seemed to be particularly bad. He’d have been struggling to start the second race because they were so bad but of course he was ready to race if it hadn’t been cancelled.
“There’s a bit of controversy regarding Marc De Reuver, the organisers said that he started on the outside of the gate although Marc flatly denies this. The Honda Martin team have had to accept the decision of the race organisers and of course it’s too late to do anything about it as they black-flagged him during the race. I was upset that they came to the team to actually make the black-flag action as I believe it’s their job to do that and it should not be left up to the team to stop the rider.”
“Julien Bill struggled a little bit in these conditions today and he found it pretty hard work.”
“The second race was cancelled as the riders decided that they didn’t want to ride in the interests of safety. I can sympathise with that because when you look at the first turn – and what happened to Tommy Searle at the start of the second MX2 moto – aquaplaning across the deep water was obviously an issue. The organisers had tried their hardest to drain the water but there was nothing they could do so I agree that it was probably the right decision not to start.”
Billy MacKenzie – CAS Honda: “I got a bad start and got totally filled in going down the start straight but I came out of the first corner in about fourth place. I tried to fight my way forward during the first few corners but chose the wrong rut in a corner and it was very deep and I got stuck and stalled the motor so was back in last place. I got going again and I was coming through the pack and it was just awesome – I was loving it! I passed so many people I was soon up to fifth position and felt like I could go even further but then I lost all my brakes and it caused me to go down again – a couple of times. On the last lap I tried to go around Nagl – who was actually a lap down – and I crashed again and ended up eighth.”
Mike Brown – CAS Honda: “It was not a very good day for me because of the weather even though I know it was the same for everybody and we all had to ride the same track. I struggled off the start and from then on it was just a mess – the goggles came off and my eyes got full of dirt and had a few crashes. I think it was a good decision to cancel the second race because the conditions were a little dangerous.”
Marc De Reuver – Martin Honda: “I took the complete inside gate pick because many of my rivals were starting in the middle and I thought that if I start on the inside it would be much better for the first corner. My rut was full of mud and water so I started outside of the rut but still behind the gate. I was second off the start, which was good, but I got showered with mud and had to come in for fresh goggles. I was progressing well again until I saw on my pit board that I was disqualified and had to pull out but when I passed the finish there was no black flag there so I carried on. But my mechanics stopped me the next lap and took me out of the race.
“I asked what was going on and was told the organisers had said that I rode around the start gate which is not possible because there is a hay bale there. I’ve looked over and over again at the video and it’s clearly obvious that I passed over the gate. The race director would not enter into any discussion over the matter even though I asked him to show me on the video what I had done – all they would say is that it didn’t matter because the marshal had seen me do it. I was in 12th place when they pulled me out and there was still 15 minutes left to go so who knows what position I could have got to – I’ve lost out on a lot of points here because of their mistake.
“I was keen to race the second moto to make up some points but I agree that it was dangerous and so the correct decision – not to race – was made.”
Julien Bill – Martin Honda: “I had a good start and the first lap was pretty good for me also but I came into a really deep rut and got stuck with the bike. I needed four or five minutes to get out of the rut before I could continue with the race. I don’t even know how it was possible to ride around this track, it was unbelievable and I’ve never seen a track this bad before. I’m happy I finished the race but I’m disappointed I just missed out on the points by one place.”
 |
Josh Coppins
Bellpuig MX GP marred by rain.
The second round of the FIM Motocross championship has been marred by rain and treacherous conditions at a muddy Bellpuig circuit in Spain. Factory Yamaha Monster rider, Josh Coppins posted a first moto 4th place before the second moto was cancelled due to impossible riding conditions.
As the riders dashed for the crucial holeshot in moto 1, Coppins nearly lost the front end when he hit a blanket of water going into the first turn. He saved the crash and positioned himself comfortably in third spot behind Barragan and Ramon. After passing Barragan for second and then setting after Ramon, Coppins got stuck before the infamous uphill step section. It took the Kiwi over half a minute to free his motorcycle from the quagmire and reattempt the hill successfully. With the race now a lottery, Coppins focused on staying on the bike and settled for fourth spot just behind the Belgian, Ken De Dycker.
With the MX2 class not able to complete their second moto it was inevitable that a decision would be made not to race the second MX1 moto. The GP overall was then decided by the first moto result which saw Coppins miss out on the podium. The Yamaha Monster racer has now climbed to fourth in the championship standings and trails leader de Dycker by 23 points.
“I’m still trying to get faster, trying to get better” explained Coppins. “I have lost two points on the lead and that for me is important at the moment. I am not focused on which position I am in the championship, or even the result this weekend – more important is to minimise the deficit from the lead until I am 100% and can start winning some races and pull back those points.”
“I was happy with my riding and even set the fastest lap in the first moto in these tricky conditions. I made a crucial mistake going up the hill step section and that cost me the win but I was also lucky that it didn’t turn out worse because it was a lottery out there. It’s still a long season and I’m pretty happy with the result.”
The GP riders and teams will trek West to Portugal and the 3rd round of the championship to be held in Agueda next weekend, hopefully under better weather and racing conditions.
 |
CAS Honda
Appalling conditions dampen CAS Honda hopes in Spain
Freak torrential rain put a dampener on the CAS Honda team’s bid for valuable points in the second round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Spain.
 Riders Billy MacKenzie and Mike Brown had battled impressively in the MX1 qualifying heats on Saturday, finishing seventh and 12th respectively in dry, sunny conditions at the Bellpuig circuit, north-west of Barcelona. But the heavens opened on race day and turned the track into a sodden battlefield which defeated most riders.
Despite the worst conditions seen in more than a decade, Billy was the fastest in the warm-up, but failed to maintain his momentum in the first race.
Following a poor start, Billy found himself at the back of the field on the first lap. But with typical grittiness, he picked his way through a battlefield of fallen riders and abandoned machines to fifth in the middle stages of the race.
Sadly, a lack of concentration saw him fall off twice in the closing stages of the race and he could only manage a disappointing eighth place.
Mike got off to a better start, running in eighth place in the early stages, but lost his goggles and his eyes filled with mud, leaving him unable to finish the race.
Both riders were hoping for a better run of luck in the second race of the day, but the heavens stayed open, conditions on the hillside track got even worse and the organisers called it off. It was a bitterly disappointing end to a fruitless weekend.
“These were the worst conditions since 1997, but that’s no excuse,” said CAS Honda team manager, Neil Prince. “Billy is riding very well we just have to work on the small mistakes. The weather was appalling and the track conditions were horrific, there were lessons to be learnt and I am confident that Billy and Mike will put them into practice next weekend in Portugal.”
Billy MacKenzie afterward said “I felt good after coming through the field from the back but slipped off and lost a couple of places, this was disappointing after all my hard work”.
Mike Brown was running nearer the front of the race but the loss of his goggles finished his race. Needless to say, he was extremely disappointed.
TANEL LEOK REPORT
LEOK FIFTH IN SPANISH GP
After a two week period of pressure-cooker convalescence, Tanel Leok travelled to Bellpuig, Spain for the second round of the 2008 motocross world championships. The hillside track in the heart of Catalunya is a favourite with spectators and riders alike, its high elevation offering a spectacular view over the Spanish countryside, and the steep up - and downhills providing plenty in the way of thrills.
The Estonian was driven by nothing so much as the desire to improve his world standing after a fairly troubled first GP at Valkenswaard two weeks before. On a dry and well prepared track, he moved closer to his customary position during Saturdays' qualifying session, and secured the fifth gate, with a qualifying time barely a second slower than fellow Kawasaki rider Sebastian Pourcel on pole.
Whereas conditions were pleasant on Saturday, the heavens opened up overnight, leaving the track a muddy cesspool. On a flat or sandy surface this would still be manageable, but the steep hills of Bellpuig with the notorious triply staircase made for a track that was nigh on impassable, results resting largely in the hands of fate. Not only did riders have to contend with the track and the atrocious conditions, but fellow riders were getting stuck left, right and centre, creating variable obstacles that could not be foreseen by any but the most gifted psychic.
The start straight was covered under several inches of water, and prudence dictated that riders take it easy in the start. Tanel splashed into the first corner just outside of the top 10, but before long, his mud riding skills shone through, and he was soon plying his skills in fourth position. The lottery aspect of the race mentioned earlier on came into play at the 10 minute mark, though. Third-placed Josh Coppins got stuck at the bottom of the staircase section, and even though Tanel managed to avoid the ad hoc obstacle, he had no momentum going up the hill, and got stuck halfway up, arguably a worse situation, since it required him to go all the way down the hill and try again.
Rejoining proceedings in 11th spot, Tanel quietened the plot down and went for steady progress around the treacherous circuit. The ploy paid off, and he quickly regained most of the lost ground. The fall of the flag welcomed a mud-caked Estonian home in 5th position.
As if conditions weren't bad enough in the first race, the heavens opened up again during the break, and the condition of the track was now beyond description in mere words. The MX2 class went out for their second race, and it was like a veritable battlefield, with bikes strewn all over the place. MX2 world championship leader Tyla Rattray on two occasions had lap times in excess of 10 minutes each, whereas a normal lap time on the track was a shade under two minutes, indicating just how tough conditions were. The MX2 race was red-flagged to halt the chaos, and there was little doubt that the second MX1 race would be cancelled. After a brief consultation with the riders, the inevitable decision came, and proceedings were called to a halt.
With only one race ridden for the day, the single result was what counted, and Tanel therefore scored fifth position for the GP. The strong result aided his world championship cause no end, hoisting him to 10th in the standings. More significantly, the event has marked his return to near full fitness, and he has once again demonstrated the speed that has helped him take his place amongst the world's elite.
The GP circus remains in Southern Europe for the GP of Portugal next weekend.
 |
CCM Racing
Hanson records first Grand Prix race win for CCM
CCM added another chapter to their rich racing history, when Greg Hanson became the first ever rider to record a Grand Prix race win for the famous Bolton based company. Hanson riding the new CCM MX450 roared to a first race win at the opening round of the 2008 FIM Veteran Motocross World Cup held at the spectacular Bellpuig circuit in Northern Spain. The overall victory literally slipped from Greg’s grasp as continuous and torrential rain brought a premature and muddy end to the day. With conditions worsening by the minute the second race was stopped after just two laps, when Hanson was down in fifteenth position following a first lap incident with reigning Veteran’s champion Dave Thorpe.
The weekend was a story of two contrasting days, with Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions taking place in near perfect weather, before constant and heavy rain wrecked Sunday’s schedule. CCM’s return to the World championship was a mixed affair, with the team experiencing both the highs and lows of racing at this level.
Oliver Sandiford-Smith’s debut amongst the World’s best MX riders was short-lived, with the teenager suffering a freak accident that resulted in him dislocating his shoulder during the first free practice session. Up until the point of the crash Oliver had looked both strong and confident around the technical circuit, with several consistent laps that may have given him at least a chance of qualifying. However his hopes of World glory were soon lost when he found a false neutral on the approach to the start / finish jump. The resulting injury, which was rectified under general antiseptic at the circuit, will see Oliver out of action for a minimum of four weeks.
Hanson used his vast experience during his qualifying session to record the fourth fastest time without ever needing to push himself, or take any unnecessary risks ahead of Sunday’s two main races. Greg took the initial lead in race one before being passed by Peter Iven on lap two. This proved to be only a temporary setback, as Hanson took the lead back the very next lap before establishing a nineteen second gap come the flag.
Race two proved to be both a non-event and nonsense, but this only slightly dented Hanson’s hopes of becoming the first ever rider to win a World title for CCM. Greg trails the current championship leader by a mere five points ahead of the second round of the series that will be staged as part of the British MXGP to be held at Mallory Park on 1st June.
Speaking about the weekend’s event, Team Principle Gary Harthern stated, “We have tasted both extremes of racing this weekend. Oliver’s injury is a real blow and has left the team deflated, especially as he was looking so comfortable. Then at the other end of the scale, it is hard to describe just how good it felt to see Greg cross the line. The weather spoilt what just could have been an even better result for Greg. All we can say is roll on Mallory, with some fit riders hopefully.”
 |
Wyatt Avis
No points for Wyatt Avis in Spain
LS Honda rider Wyatt Avis scored no points at the second round of the World Championship Series in Bellpuig, Spain last weekend. In the first moto Wyatt crashed twice and finished the race in 22nd position. In the second moto he was in a comfortable top 10 position, but got stuck solidly in the mud, ending his participation in the race.
The weekend started out well for Wyatt on Saturday. The weather was great and the track was in perfect condition. The free practice session and the pre qualifying session were used the set up the bike and to find some good lines around the track. In his qualifying heat Wyatt took a descent start and ended the moto in eleventh position, which was good enough to qualify himself directly for the race on Sunday.
On Saturday night the rain belted down, and during Sunday morning warm up it was still raining. The rain only let off just before racing began, turning the hard track into a gigantic mud bath.
First moto:
The start of the moto was good and inside the top ten he went into the first corner. In the first lap Wyatt crashed and dropped back to the back of the field. During the race he crashed once again and he finally finished the race in 22nd position.
Second moto:
The start of the second moto was again good and inside of the top ten Wyatt came out of the first corner. In the second lap disaster struck the South African rider because he got stuck in the mud, ending his participation in the race.
After two rounds Wyatt sits in 30th position in the World Championship Standings. Round three of the World Championship Series will be held this weekend in Agueda, Portugal.
KTM Racing - Qualifying
MX1: After time Practice on Saturday.
Germany's Max Nagl of the Red Bull KTM MX1 factory team was an excellent second in the timed training for the MX1 Grand Prix in Bellpuig, Spain and goes into Sunday's race in a very positive frame of mind.
Max Nagl, second fastest in MX1 Time Practice said:
"I am very happy. I like the weather and I like the track. It is very fast and there are no bumps. I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the time practice because it was very fast but I got more confident as the practice went on. I feel very strong and tomorrow I will go for the holeshot and for a good result.
Jonathan Barragan (Spain) of the KTM supported team Team Silver Action was ninth fastest.
MX2: What the KTM riders said after qualifying
Red Bull KTM MX2 riders put in a positive day for the qualifying races for the Grand Prix of Spain at Bellpuig underlining they are the ones to watch in Sunday's Race.
Conditions were dry on Saturday but a change in the weather is forecast for tomorrow with an 85% chance of rain.
Tyla Rattray (winner Qualifying Race One)
"I am very happy and motivated. I took the holeshot and although I had a few mistakes I managed well and came out on top. For sure it was a difficult and fast race. The track surface is very dry and even thought here was some rain last night, it is windy and it dried out very quickly. That means there's only one line and it's very fast. I hope have a good start and to do well again tomorrow.
Tommy Searle (second qualifying Race One)
"Today was good in qualifying and I enjoyed it. I was behind Tyla and I wasn't able to get past him. This is a fast track and that's how I like it. I hope that it stays dry tomorrow because I am hoping for a good race.
Rui Gonçalves (fourth, Qualifying Race Two)
"Today I had some problems with some pain in my arms but I hear from some of the other riders that they had problems too so it might be the hard surface. I will work with our physiotherapist tonight and hope we can sort out the problem. Tomorrow I am hoping for a good start and to get as many points as possible.
Anthony Boissiere of the KTM supported team Team HDI France won the second Qualifying Race.
Team Suzuki - Qualifying
RAMON 3RD IN BELLPUIG MX1 QUALIFYING
 Steve Ramon and Ken De Dycker qualified well for round two of the FIM MX1 World Motocross Championships at Bellpuig in Spain on their Team Teka Suzuki WMX1 RM-Z450s.
Ramon - the reigning MX1 World Champion - finished the session in third position just 0.8 seconds behind hardpack specialist Sebastien Pourcel who's fastest. Having not raced on hardpack since the Valence International back in February, Ramon's amount of improvement on the track throughout the day and his final qualifying position gives him good confidence going into tomorrow's race.
"The track is good with a lot of grip and it's getting rougher now which will suit me more," says Ramon. "It took me a while to get used to the track because I haven't ridden on a surface like this for some time but in the qualification session my riding came good, my bike was running great and the session went well for me and so I was able to put a good lap in. Tomorrow I'm hoping for good weather and two good starts - if I get those the results should be good."
Currently leading the MX1 World Championship after completely dominating round one at Valkenswaard, De Dycker qualified in fourth position on his factory RM-Z450. Unable to train as much as he'd like prior to this race due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Holland, he is pleased to be on the pace and is confident of success.
"I'm looking forward to the race," said Ken. "It's the first time since Valence that I've raced on hardpack and even though it's a different track in different conditions I hope the results can be the same as at Valkenswaard. I'm happy with my time in the qualification session and fourth position is okay because here the start is quite fair and not as important as it was in Valkenswaard."
The weather forecast for tomorrow's races is light rain throughout the day.
|
