DESALLE 4TH IN ITALIAN MX1 GATE
Clement Desalle took part in a thrilling four-rider chase in the MX1 qualification heat race for the Grand Prix of Europe at Faenza in Italy yesterday and sealed a decent fourth position on his factory Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 RM-Z450.
The penultimate round of 16 in the FIM Motocross World Championship is taking place on the curling and compact circuit south-east of Bologna and the rough hard-pack dirt was a tricky terrain to judge and find decent overtaking opportunities.
On a sunny day with temperatures almost hitting 30 degrees, Desalle made a reasonable start on the slightly inclined gate and straight and engaged in an exciting pursuit of second spot with Evgeny Bobryshev, Christophe Pourcel and Shaun Simpson. The dispute went down to the final lap where the Belgian was able relegate his Russian rival for fourth. Desalle was looking more in his old vein of speed and form after problems with an injured right hand in the previous two grands prix. He tried different sprockets to optimise traction on the mud but reverted back to his usual hard-pack setting for the RM-Z450.
Tanel Leok's getaway wasn't as effective, although the Estonian (and last winner at Faenza in 2009) lapped at a decent pace. On a layout that was tighter, twistier and slower than in previous editions of the Grand Prix, Leok managed to take ninth position which is still positive for the opening blast for the 35 minute and 2 lap motos tomorrow.
Clement Desalle:
"On these kinds of track I much prefer to race than just to go for a fast lap-time. It can be too risky with the slick mud, but the qualification heat worked out OK. My jump from the gate was perfect but I hit some very soft dirt in the first few metres and it was like putting on the brake. I was around fifth or sixth but had a good feeling and had some fun. I think that was the best I've ridden since injuring my hand, so that was good. I tried to change my line to pass Bobryshev for third but he blocked me and Pourcel got us both. Finally I was able to overtake Bobryshev for fourth. It is OK for the gate; the race is tomorrow."
Tanel Leok:
"I was feeling good on the track today. We didn't make any changes to the bike from our usual set-up for the hard ground. I was struggling a little bit at the beginning of the Heat but once I settled into my rhythm it was OK. The track is good but hard for racing. I hope they don't change it too much and the ruts stay there for tomorrow. It will be easier for over-taking."
MX1 Qualification Heat result: 1. Sebastien Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), 24:58.836; 2. Christophe Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:01.798; 3. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:02.714; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:04.620; 5. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:09.302; 6. Ken de Dycker (BEL, KTM), +0:18.932; 7. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:19.903; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:21.334; 9. Tanel Leok (EST, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:22.664; 10. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), +0:23.790.
