TOUGH QUALIFYING FOR DESALLE AND LEOK

2012-08-18 20:32
A hot and stuffy first day of the British Grand Prix at Matterley Basin saw Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 endure a tough time in qualification for the 13th round of 16 in the FIM Motocross World Motocross Championship.

Clement Desalle set a mean pace around the rutty slopes of the English course and was leading the MX1 heat race until a mistake saw the Belgian hit the ground and cross the finish in seventh place. Tanel Leok was also quick through practice but a technical problem caused a DNF early into the sprint.

A busy site near Winchester in Hampshire hosted the first serious day of action at the first ever MXGP Festival - 10 classes and more than 300 riders in action - and the Matterley soil was rough and demanding but offered plenty of lines and a stern technical test.

Desalle clocked the ninth and then sixth best times in practice and fronted Antonio Cairoli in the Qualification Heat until his fast misadventure on the uphill double: The RM-Z450 racer exited the track and went down, hurting his right hand in the process. Desalle was able to remount and finished the race and was relieved that a scan in the medical centre gave him the 'all clear.'

Leok was flying in the first two sessions: The Estonian was first and second fastest in free practice and qualification practice but his potential for a decent slot on the start gate was ruined by a mechanical problem that caused a DNF and places him 31st on the line for tomorrow's 35 minute and 2 lap motos.

More good weather and high temperatures are predicted for race day.

Clement Desalle:

"It happened so fast I'm not sure what went on really. I took the same line I did every lap but was just a little bit out and paid for it. My hand hurts at the moment and for sure it will tomorrow. Up until the crash I was having fun out there. My riding was easy and fast and I was enjoying the track."

Tanel Leok:

"I was feeling good out there and the times came easily to me but it is just a shame now that I will be far down in the gate and to make a good start tomorrow will be difficult. I am still hopeful of a good result because physically I am in great shape."

MX1 Qualification Heat: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 24:54.829; 2. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:07.264; 3. Ken de Dycker (BEL, KTM), +0:12.154; 4. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:14.791; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:15.958; 6. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:19.225; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:31.835. 31. Tanel Leok (EST, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), -10 lap(s).

Source: Team Suzuki Press Office

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