KTM MX2 Riders 1 & 2 in Qualifying for Season's Opener at Faenza

Swiss KTM rider Arnoud Tonus of the French HDI KTM France team was the fastest qualifier on Saturday for the first MX2 GP of the season at Faenza, Italy, with KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson a solid third.

Tonus rode well on a dry track that was extremely fast to take the top qualifying spot saying "I had a fantastic start and I did not expect to come out the fastest. There are many good riders at a high level in this competition but of course I am very happy with the result. I am very motivated for tomorrow's race and I will try to do my best and to be as competitive as possible.

 

Simpson was also confident after Saturday's qualifying on the track at Faenza despite being a little unsettled with how fast it was. "The track was very fast and this was not that good for me but I still managed to do quite a good job. I was seventh out of the gate and I did have some problems with the bike. I just rode the best I could. I was second going into the last lap then Frossard passed me and I finished third. Rain is expected tomorrow and this will mean that everyone will be slower and the track will be more technical. I think if I have a good start I will put in a good race.

 

Shaun's teammate in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team was not so fortunate. The Portuguese rider took a huge amount of air going over one of the jumps and came down hard. He managed to complete qualifying in the back of the field back was experiencing a lot of abdominal pain. He was checked out by doctors but is expected to start in Sunday's race.

 

MX 2  Qualifying times

1. Arnoud Tonus, Switzerland, KTM, 23:49.176

2. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki, 23:53.778

3. Shaun Simpson, U.K., KTM, 23:55.359

4. Manuel Monni, Italy, Yamaha, 23:56.406

5. Loic Larrieu, France, Yamaha, 23:56.433

Other KTM

8. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 24:00.960

9. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 24:01.212

11. Calentin Teillet, France, KTM, 24:04.530

14. Stephen Sword, U.K., KTM, 24:21.369

16. Ceriel Klein Kromhof, Netherlands, KTM, 24:25.066