SUZUKI RM-Z250 & PAPENMEIER 3RD IN WMX CHAMPIONSHIP
. By Bikeland Staff
German Larissa Papenmeier put in a great performance at the final round of the 2018 FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) in Imola in Italy at the weekend, taking third place overall in the series.
During the MXGP of Italy, the final round of WMX saw Papenmeier (Team Twenty Suspension Suzuki) defend her third position in the championship rankings.
The qualifying worked as planned and Papenmeier qualified third on the start grid. Her start went perfectly and she was able to gain a position between the leading riders. Lying second after the start, Papenmeier had some fights during the race which made her lose one position. She said: “After a great start I was able to follow the speed of the leader.”
The second race start also went well: “But this time I wasn’t able to find a good rhythm,” the 28-year-old said. However, there was no need to be disappointed: Even though the gap to the leader was bigger than in the first race, Papenmeier raced to third position again, and with this spirited performance, not only did she reach the podium on the day, but claimed third position in the World Championship rankings, as Suzuki took second place overall in the Manufacturers ranking.
Said Papenmeier: “The season began perfectly, but during the season I have made some mistakes which cost us valuable points. With my third position in the World Championship, I am really happy and I’m looking forward to next season.”
Other Suzuki RM-Z250 riders Janina Lehmann and the Francesca Nocera impressed with great results. Nocera reached a Top10-result with eighth position in first race. Lehmann grabbed 15 and 14th positions, which brought her important championship points.