Press Release

DESALLE AND STRIJBOS IN LOKET MX1 TOP-4

ocscottie
8/6/2011 2:24pm

Rockstar
Energy Suzuki World MX1 saw both its riders score top-four positions in
a tricky qualification heat at Loket for the Casino Bonver Grand Prix
of Czech Republic today.

Clement Desalle rode his works RM-Z450
Suzuki to second position while Steve Ramon's stand-in team-mate Kevin
Strijbos was consistent on the Czech soil - where he has taken two
previous victories with the factory motorcycle - for fourth position
overall.

The forecast of heavy rainfall only arrived in several
brief downpours during practice and qualification for the 12th round of
15 in the FIM Motocross World Championship. The showers were sufficient
to soften the fast hard-pack and create a slippery but slightly more
rutted and bumpy course.

Desalle made a few changes to the
set-up of his motorcycle by focusing on the engine mapping for a more
stable-flow of power for a full lap around the hillside circuit. The
Belgian started reasonably well and pushed hard to pass Rui Goncalves
for his final ranking. Strijbos made several tweaks to the RM-Z's
suspension and was impressive with his times. Another decent launch from
the gate meant the Belgian - who claimed both motos here in 2007 - was
able to follow his team-mate and gauge his weak spots on the layout for
the two 35 minute and 2 lap motos tomorrow.

Clement Desalle:

"Not
so bad today. It was difficult to pass in the qualification and we
really need a good start for tomorrow. You have to concentrate and use a
lot of energy. I pushed and changed some lines to see how it might be
for tomorrow and where they might be chances to overtake. We made a few
adjustments to the setting of the bike but nothing major. A rock flew up
and hit my right wrist so that is a bit painful at the moment."

Kevin Strijbos:

"I
felt good as soon as I went on the track. Things went well from the
first practice. We made a couple of clicks on the suspension but overall
I was happy. For the heat race I didn't get a good jump from the gate
but I was lucky that they didn't close me off so I was able to pull out.
It was a solid ride. In some parts I was quick and making ground on
Clement and in others I was a bit too slow. I was able to follow OK
though and I'm pleased with how it's going."

MX1 Qualification Heat: 1. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), 24:43.486; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:05.770; 3. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:06.767; 4. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:08.547;
5. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.002; 6. Xavier Boog (FRA,
Kawasaki), +0:21.073; 7. Christophe Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:23.436;
8. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:35.193; 9. Antonio Cairoli (ITA,
KTM), +0:35.988; 10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Honda), +0:42.251.

0 comments