STRIJBOS QUALIFIES 8TH AT GAILDORF MX1

2011-09-03 19:01
Kevin Strijbos took his Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 RM-Z450 to eighth position in the MX1 qualification heat at a sweltering Gaildorf circuit in Germany for the Grand Prix of Europe and the penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

The first GP event to visit Gaildorf since 2005 was a great example of the diversity of the circuits found in the series as the remodelled layout offered a tight, winding and hard-pack soil that became dusty and rutty in places. The track was tough and fast and split opinion among the riding fraternity.

Strijbos experimented with a different rear Pirelli in his search for optimum grip and despite a mediocre launch in the 20 minute and 2 lap qualification heat - run at the hottest part of the day - was able to pass riders and classify eighth for a decent gate-pick for tomorrow.

Cody Cooper - standing in for Clement Desalle at Gaildorf and also next week at Fermo in Italy - took his time to feel his way into the speed and intricacies of grand prix racing. Enjoying the responsiveness and handling of the works race bike, the New Zealander rode a cautious sprint to 22nd place.

Rain showers are predicted for race-day.

Kevin Strijbos:

"It is pretty different here. Many riders don't like it but I think it is good that we come somewhere like this. At the beginning it was difficult to get used to it but it was fine for the races. The day overall was OK. I had a bad start for the heat. Simpson was on the inside of me and just 'went.' I hesitated and missed it completely. I thought my knee would bother me more but it was fine with just some strapping. I think our bike is working better than some others out there and we changed the rear tyre just to find a bit more traction. I'm happy with how things are and it could be fun tomorrow if it rains."

Cody Cooper:

"It was pretty average. I struggled all day really. I haven't ridden much since the end of the Australian Nationals and found it tough going in the heat. We didn't change the bike too much; I moved the bars forward from Clement's setting and a couple of suspension clicks here and there. I'm just grateful to have this ride and I love the bike."

MX1 Qualification heat: 1. Christophe Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), 24:33.890; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:04.988; 3. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:12.707; 4. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Honda), +0:14.692; 5. Steven Frossard (FRA, Yamaha), +0:21.411; 6. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:25.385; 7. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:25.786; 8. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:29.230; 9. Gregory Aranda (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:36.612; 10. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:37.731. 22. Cody Cooper (NZL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +1:38.031.

Source: Team Suzuki Press Office

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