Searle tops MX2 podium; Rattray has Red Plate as championship
leader
 Red
Bull KTM factory rider Tommy Searle stopped the hearts of
all spectators of the second MX2 moto in Sevielo, Bulgaria
on Sunday when he swept past fellow KTM rider Shaun Simpson
in the last seconds of the race to take the top podium spot
in the GP.
On a day when rain fell to soften the hard track and reshuffle
the cards just before the second MX2 moto, Red Bull KTM's
Tyla Rattray made a good comeback from a tussle with Toni
Cairoli in the second moto to finish overall second. Shaun
Simpson was on the podium for the first time in third place
to complete a complete clean sweep of the podium for KTM.
Elated Tommy Searle
"I am very happy because this is my first victory of
the season and my second career GP win," Tommy said.
"I really enjoyed the battle with Shaun. I knew that
Tyla and Cairoli were quite far back but I did not want to
take any risks. The track was quite tricky as I wanted to
be sure to try to pass Shaun at just the right time."
The last minute by the young British title contender was certainly
the highlight of the race weekend at this circuit in central
Bulgaria.
Rattray overcomes clash with Cairoli
Tyla Rattray, now again in front in the championship standings
and owner of the red number place said he regretted the incident
with Toni Cairoli, the current MX2 champion, saying that although
it was part of racing he was sorry it had happened. "I
always like to ride clean but I also always race for the win."
After the tangle Tyla managed to work his way back up through
the pack on a circuit and in conditions where it was difficult
to make up ground. After his third place in the first moto
he finished fifth in the second, collecting enough points
for the second podium place on the day.
First GP podium for Shaun Simpson
Shaun Simpson, riding for Team KTM UK, one of the new KTM-supported
teams was naturally delighted to be up with Searle. He led
the race right from the beginning and said he didn't expect
to be on the podium this early in his career in GP racing.
"This is a very new experience for me," he said.
"This is a track that suits me and I already knew in
race one that I was fast. I couldn't believe I was in front
of Tommy in the second moto. It was fun and now I know I am
getting faster I have good hopes for the rest of the season
and I want to improve in every GP.
Problems for Goncalves in heat one
Rui Goncalves, the third Red Bull KTM factory rider had difficulty
with pain in his arms in the first moto, finishing in tenth
place. The second heat proved more successful after some adjustments
to the bike's setup. "I had a lot of problems with my
arms in the first heat. It was very distracting and hard to
ride. It was easier in the second with a different setup but
I did not have a very good start. I was also behind Cairoli
and Tyla during their incident. I went on to finish seventh
and of course I never give up." The Portuguese Red Bull
KTM rider said he is looking forward to next week's ride in
Mantova, Italy, where he had a good race in the pre-season
Starcross event. "It's now my aim to finish every Gp
and to pick up as many points as I can," he said.
Great MX2 weekend for KTM
The Bulgarian GP was very successful for KTM with six of the
top eight riders on their machines.
Results MX2 Grand Prix
1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM
2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM
3. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM
4. Xavier Boog, France, Suzuki
5. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha
6. Anthony Boissere, France, KTM
7. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha
8. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM
Championship Standings after Grand Prix of Bulgaria
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 157 points (regains leader's
red number plate)
2. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 153
3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 149
4. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha, 106
5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 106
Other KTM
8. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM, 92
10. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 82
13. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM, 54
14. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 50
17. Joel Tarroux, France, KTM, 38
11.05.2008
Jonathan Barragan denied victory in last minutes of MX1 in
Bulgaria
KTM Team Silver Action rider Jonathan Barragan looked certain
to take victory in the second moto and seal his MX1 Grand
Pix win in Sevlievo, Bulgaria on Sunday when a mistake in
the last stretch of race two denied him the overall victory.
On a day where rain fell before the second race to create
a whole different set of conditions on the normally hard packed
track, the Spanish KTM rider did go on to be second overall
to rescue a podium place and pick up more valuable championship
points.
Last minute mistake on tricky wet circuit
"I am very sad, "the Spanish rider said. "I
made a mistake in the last lap and lost my position. Without
this I know I would have won today. I was very fast this weekend
and I know I can win races. Now I will concentrate on a good
result next weekend in Mantova, where I had a good result
in the pre-season Starcross event. I'm going to do my best
to get back in the championship and to finish every race with
as many points as I can."
Max Nagl looks ahead to Mantova
It was also a disappointing day for Red Bull KTM factory rider
Max Nagl of Germany. Despite snatching the holeshot in both
heats of the MX1, Sunday was not his lucky day. Max went into
the race hoping for a top five position but a mistake in heat
one cost him his chances then in the second heat his boot
got wedged in between the frame and the rear brake and he
lost valuable time trying to free it. Overall he finished
in eighth position in the GP. Max also goes to Mantova next
weekend optimistic about riding on a circuit that he likes
and where he has enjoyed good results in the past.
MX 1 Grand Prix Results
1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha
2. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM
3. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki
4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki
5. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda
8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM
Championship Standings
1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 149 points
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 132
3. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 115
4. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, 100
5. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, 98
Other KTM
6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 94
8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 80
12. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM, 62
15. Markus Schiffer, Germany, KTM, 40
19. James Noble, Britain, KTM 23
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