Anstie pushing for more at Bulgarian MX2

Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe's Max Anstie had the speed but not the luck to draw closer to his first FIM MX2 World Championship podium result with the factory-backed RM-Z250 last Sunday in Italy but is hopeful of better fortune this weekend in Bulgaria.

The impressive Sevlievo circuit will host the fifth round of 17 in the Grand Prix series and the team will have both Anstie and Julien Lieber ready to take on the vast hills of the venue.

"Bulgaria is a track that I know quite well and we've had Grands Prix there for the last couple of years, so for sure I feel confident and I know what to expect," said Anstie. "Everyone is pushing in the right direction in this team and it is only a matter of time and a little bit of luck before we have the results we deserve. Hopefully that time will start this weekend!"

The Brit, who turns 20 years of age next week, sits seventh in the MX2 standings but is only 30 points away from the top three in the table. Before Italy he had reached third position twice in motos in Thailand and also Holland. The hard, rippling bumps of Arco di Trento last Sunday were a tough ask for Anstie and his team-mate and Sevlievo should present one of two challenges come race day. The wide and hard-pack soil could be fast and difficult for overtaking if it is dry, but if the weather forecast proves to be correct and rainfall is seen through both days then the Bulgaria mud will soften, roughen and become slower and more technical; an ideal situation for the skills of Anstie and Lieber.

The eighteen year old Belgian is looking for a pick-up in form after his DNF in Holland (after Jose Butron hit the Suzuki and caused irreparable damage) and several mistakes in Italy. Some fast lap-times and a decent feeling on his RM-Z250 will be essential to restore some confidence and put the youngster back in the midst of the top 10 where he duly belongs.

Sevlievo was the site of the 2012 FIM Junior World Championship and has twice won awards for Best Circuit. It hosted the opening fixtures of the 2010 and 2011 FIM Motocross series and is seen as an important base for off-road racing within Eastern Europe.

MX2 World Championship Standings (after 4 of 17 rounds): 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 200 points; 2. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), 141 p.; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 128 p.; 4. Jose Butron (ESP, KTM), 111 p.; 5. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), 107 p.; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, KTM), 98 p.; 7. Max Anstie (GBR, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe), 98 p.; 8. Dean Ferris (AUS, Yamaha), 89 p.; 9. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), 82 p.; 10. Mel Pocock (GBR, Yamaha), 77 p. 12. Julien Lieber (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe), 71 p.


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