ZECCHINA MAKES PROGRESS IN FRANCE

2011-06-04 16:05
Suzuki Europe MX2 were back in action at St Jean D'Angely for the Grand Prix of France and the fifth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship as Simone Zecchina flighted the RM-Z250 around the Gallic hillside during practice and qualification in hot conditions.

The Italian teenager enjoyed his maiden outing on the factory-backed machine in what is the first of three appearances for the team in the continued absence of Valentin Teillet as the Frenchman recovers from his shoulder injury.

Zecchina was composed on well-watered and slippery terrain and showed no signs of his rookie status as he set lap-times that placed him mid-pack of the forty-strong entry. During the 20 minute and 2 lap Qualification Heat a strong opening period was scuppered by a small crash. The current leader of the European 125cc two-stroke championship then focussed on finishing the race.

After a stuffy and humid climate throughout the day, rain fell during late afternoon at St Jean D'Angely and a wet Grand Prix could lay in store tomorrow.

Simone Zecchina:

"It was difficult out there. For 10 minutes I was OK but then I had a small crash and after that I mentally couldn't get going again. Physically, no problem, and the track is pretty good, not too tricky. The Suzuki is great, the suspension is unbelievable. The bike is good enough; the rider needs to be better!"

MX2 Qualification Heat Classification: 1. Ken Roczen (GER, KTM), 25:38.113; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:07.581; 3. Zachary Osborne (USA, Yamaha), +0:17.246; 4. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:26.200; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:30.007; 6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:36.841; 7. Christophe Charlier (FRA, Yamaha), +0:38.797; 8. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, KTM), +0:43.936; 9. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), +1:06.171; 10. Max Anstie (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:08.091. 25. Simone Zecchina (ITA, Suzuki Europe MX2), -1 lap(s).

Source: Team Suzuki Press Office

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