RAMON 2ND ON BULGARIAN GATE
 Team
Suzuki's Steve Ramon placed the works RM-Z450 second on the
start line for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria and the eighth round
of 15 in the FIM 2007 World Championship.
The formidable Sevlievo circuit was a fast and daunting prospect
with lap-time touching two minutes. Searing heat and sunshine
during practice in central Bulgaria was replaced by dark clouds
and thunderstorms for the Timed Practice period. The wide
and pacey track, with numerous step-downs and plenty of jumps
to attack, offered varying levels of grip but provided several
lines. The dirt was trickier to negotiate after a coating
of rain in the afternoon
Ramon, riding confidently after securing his first chequered
flag on the RM-Z450 in France last week, was fourth and 11th
in the two 40 minutes free practice periods. He altered very
little on his machine, just trying a different sprocket, and
felt at home on the surface immediately.
"Right from the beginning I was happy on the track and
my riding was going good," he said. "When it was
raining it got a bit slippery. Timed Practice was not so easy
but I made my fastest lap with my last attempt. I was in the
top five but I wanted to be nearer the front. I have some
good lines so I hope for a decent race tomorrow."
Kevin Strijbos stayed away from the Grand Prix to rest his
troublesome knee. Further high temperatures and unpredictable
weather conditions are predicted for tomorrow's Grand Prix
motos.
MX1 Timed Practice: 1. Sebastien Pourcel
(FRA, Kawasaki), 1:51.559; 2. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:00.442;
3. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), +0:00.727; 4. Jonathan Barragan
(ESP, KTM), +0:00.734; 5. Mike Brown (USA, Honda), +0:01.179;
6. Tanel Leok (EST, Kawasaki), +0:01.204; 7. David Philippaerts
(ITA, KTM), +0:01.273; 8. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:01.570;
9. Marc de Reuver (NED, Yamaha), +0:01.834; 10. Billy Mackenzie
(GBR, Kawasaki), +0:02.053.
|
