DESALLE 3RD ON BRAZILIAN MX1 GATE

2012-05-19 20:27
Clement Desalle raced his factory RM-Z450 to third position in the qualification heat for tomorrow's Grand Prix of Brazil at the impressive Beto Carrero circuit; the Belgian setting a decent pace but struggling to overtake at the narrow and rough layout north of Florianopolis.

The fantastic complex at 'Beto Carrero World' - a popular Theme Park - saw one of the best infrastructures and set-ups seen at a Grand Prix event. The five grandstands were already sold-out pre-event and the Brazilian fans brought their unique degree of passion and enthusiasm for the sport to the fourth different Brazilian venue in four years.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1's Desalle set the third-fastest time in both practice and pre-qualification and was slightly frustrated in the qualification heat as he looked to close the gap on Gautier Paulin and Antonio Cairoli. But the '#25', who celebrated his 23rd birthday today, still has a decent pick of slots in the start gate tomorrow.

Team mate Tanel Leok will set off from 14th: The Estonian caught his weak left leg coming out of the gate and needed several laps to recover composure and be able to set a pace.

After a day of variable weather conditions, tomorrow's forecast is for sunshine and decent temperatures.

Clement Desalle:

"At the beginning of the day the track was muddy but more technical compared to last week. The organisation here was really good. In the qualification heat I found it very difficult to pass. I started sixth and I really struggled. I think you have to take some small risks if you want to overtake because you can be much faster than the guy in front but it is hard to find a place. The track is good but needs some work to make it better for racing. It is humid here and I think the weather should be better tomorrow. We'll see."

Tanel Leok:

"Practice went well but I don't know what happened at the start. I need to look at the video. The gate dropped and I think I caught my foot between the gate itself and the footpeg. It hurt and I needed a few laps to settle in. Racing is difficult here but we'll see what we can do tomorrow."

MX1 Qualification Heat result: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 25:26.628; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:08.686; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +0:15.269; 4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:19.743; 5. Dean Ferris (AUS, Kawasaki), +0:34.051; 6. David Philippaerts (ITA, Yamaha), +0:36.228; 7. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, Honda), +0:37.878; 8. Ken de Dycker (BEL, KTM), +0:39.581; 9. Xavier Boog (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:41.773; 10. Rui Goncalves (POR, Honda), +0:44.466; 14. Tanel Leok (EST, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1), +1:11.503.

Source: Team Suzuki Press Office

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