First edition of the Central Europe Rally about to start!

2008-04-19 11:27
It's been almost four months since the cancellation of Dakar 2008, but finally the start of the Central Europe Rally gives the competitors their first chance to race again.

Of course the KTM team is also happy to be at the start of this new event, which has been organized by ASO in a very short time. KTM has worked very hard on the development of a "Light Version' of the rally 690. A smaller fairing and front fuel tank and a slightly different geometry should give the bike a better handling and higher speed in the corners. Marco Coma and Cyril Despres will be riding this new bike during the Central Europe Rally. This conversion kit will be available for KTM customers as well in the near future.

Hans Trunkenpolz
"It's a bit early in the season, but organizing such a new event in two for ASO unknown countries is not easy and we totally understand this. The stages are short, which doesn't necessarily mean we're topfavourit. But off course we will ride aggressively as we always do.

ASO still has the biggest impact by far when it comes to media coverage, which means a lot to us. 2008 is an interesting year, because everybody is curious what will happen. For us rally is still as important as ever."

Marc Coma
"It's a good thing we have a race in front of us. This rally and the conditions are new for everybody, and we have to see where we are. We have a modified bike, which should give me more speed in the corners. "

Jordi Viladoms
"I have trained a lot, and physically I'm a lot better than last year when I head to recover from my injuries. This rally is a good training, we have to adapt to the new terrain and the new conditions. This also means chances are more equal, but I'm very motivated to stay on top."

Francisco Lopez
It's the first race in the new Dakar series, which is very important for the sponsors. For me it's my second rally for KTM, after my fifth place in Dubai last November. After this rally I go to Sardinia, Brazil and Dubai, to prepare for Dakar 2009 which will be held in my backyard. "

David Casteu
"We all want to win, but some of the best enduro-riders of the world are competing here and the conditions are not like we're used to in rally-raids. I will compete in all the races of the world championship rally-raid, the main goal is to get ready for 2009. "

Cyril Despres
I'm feeling great; it's good to see everybody here as rally is such a big part of my life. One month ago we've been testing a prototype of the Rally Light. The bike is very stable, and offers good traction and acceleration. Now we have to find out who's competitive and who's not, riding lighter bikes. "

Cyril Despress is feeling great!
Cyril giving his interview.
Make sure that the details are correct...
Marc Coma is fit and confident.
Marc explains his goal for this rally.
19.04.2008
Bellpuig MX2: What the KTM riders said after qualifying
Red Bull KTM MX2 riders put in a positive day for the qualifying races for the Grand Prix of Spain at Bellpuig underlining they are the ones to watch in Sunday's Race.
Conditions were dry on Saturday but a change in the weather is forecast for tomorrow with an 85% chance of rain.

Tyla Rattray (winner Qualifying Race One)
"I am very happy and motivated. I took the holeshot and although I had a few mistakes I managed well and came out on top. For sure it was a difficult and fast race. The track surface is very dry and even thought here was some rain last night, it is windy and it dried out very quickly. That means there's only one line and it's very fast. I hope have a good start and to do well again tomorrow.

Tommy Searle (second qualifying Race One)
"Today was good in qualifying and I enjoyed it. I was behind Tyla and I wasn't able to get past him. This is a fast track and that's how I like it. I hope that it stays dry tomorrow because I am hoping for a good race.

Rui Congalves (fourth, Qualifying Race Two)
"Today I had some problems with some pain in my arms but I hear from some of the other riders that they had problems too so it might be the hard surface. I will work with our physiotherapist tonight and hope we can sort out the problem. Tomorrow I am hoping for a good start and to get as many points as possible.

Anthony Boissiere of the KTM supported team Team HDI France won the second Qualifying Race.

Qualifying Race One
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 25:21.606 (Red Bull KTM)
2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 25:23.107 (Red Bull KTM)
3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 25:26.649
4. Shaun Simpson Britain, KTM, 25:51.205 (Team KTM UK)
5. Davide Guarneri, Italy, Yamaha, 26:02.567

Qualifying Race Two
1. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM 25:39.424 (Team HDI France)
2. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki, 25:44.504
3. Manual Monni, Italy, Yamaha, 25:48.110
4. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM (Red Bull KTM)
5. Marvin Musquin France, Honda, 25:57.688

Rattray getting down to race business
Tommy Searle leaving the rest of the field behind
Goncalves getting away well
19.04.2008
Bellpuig MX1: After time Practice on Saturday.
Germany's Max Nagl of the Red Bull KTM MX1 factory team was an excellent second in the timed training for the MX1 Grand Prix in Bellpuig, Spain and goes into Sunday's race in a very positive frame of mind.
Max Nagl, second fastest in MX1 Time Practice said:
"I am very happy. I like the weather and I like the track. It is very fast and there are no bumps. I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the time practice because it was very fast but I got more confident as the practice went on. I feel very strong and tomorrow I will go for the holeshot and for a good result.

Jonathan Barragan (Spain) of the KTM supported team Team Silver Action was ninth fastest.

Results MX1 Time Practice
1. Sebastien Pourcel France, Kawasaki 1:50.659 (best lap time)
2. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 1:51.398 (Red Bull KTM)
3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 1:51.527
4. Ken de Dycker, Belguim, Suzuki, 1:51.83
9. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM (Team Silver Action)1:52.758

Source: KTM

Click here to visit our forums to discuss this story