Press Release

Teka Suzuki 3rd and 4th on Turkish Gate

Ken De Dycker and Steve Ramon steered their factory Teka Suzuki WMX1 RM-Z450s to third and fourth positions after the first ever MX1 qualification heat at the new Istanbul facility for the Grand Prix of Turkey; round three of 15 in the 2009 FIM Motocross World Championship.


The small Hezarfen airport, some 20 kilometres outside of the epic capital, contains the newly-constructed circuit with a tight and twisty layout. The varying softness of the terrain and differing levels of traction mean that the track itself is a curious and complex test. The winding turns hold a single effective line in many places.


Under bright blue sky but slightly buffeted by strong gusts of wind, both riders experimented with suspension settings and, in the case of Ramon, even some different rear shock units through the two practice sessions prior to the Heat Race. Ramon tweaked the front forks and De Dycker plans to test a few Pirelli tyre options in tomorrow's morning warm-up.


The 20 minute and two-lap sprint saw De Dycker fight for the lead with pace-setter Antonio Cairoli before dropping back into a close squabble for third position with Ramon. The former World Champion was looking for a way to relegate his team-mate and move up from fourth place but De Dycker kept his speed to the flag.


More sunshine is predicted for race-day.


Ken De Dycker, 3rd:


"I think the track is really nice. It is difficult and that splits the riders. I had a good start in the qualifying race and rode to find some good lines and see what the other guys were doing. I think the rhythm and plan I have will be quick enough for tomorrow; we will see how it goes."


Steve Ramon, 4th:


"Things went OK today because I think this is not my favourite track! The dirt is very strange; in some places it is rock hard and in others it is very soft, so it is difficult to control the bike and stay smooth. The bumps and ruts are coming up to make it even trickier. I had a good place on the gate for the heat but tangled with Josh a little bit at the start. I passed a few people in the first corners and came up to the front but struggled to find a way to pass Ken. I tried different lines and looked at a few places but it was not possible."


MX1 Qualification Heat Result: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, Yamaha), 24:50.259; 2. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:03.327; 3. Ken de Dycker (BEL, TEKA Suzuki), +0:07.162; 4. Steve Ramon (BEL, TEKA Suzuki), +0:07.791; 5. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Honda), +0:08.454; 6. Tanel Leok (EST, Yamaha), +0:12.677; 7. Marc de Reuver (NED, Honda), +0:28.812; 8. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:32.056; 9. Clement Desalle (BEL, Honda), +0:35.303; 10. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), +0:37.420.

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