Track Time Practice for Red Bull KTM Riders in Italy
OutdoorHub 02.27.12
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team went to Montevarchi in italy this weekend to contest the opening round of the Italian Championship specifically designed to fine tune their equipment and performances ahead of the World Championship season.
While Tony Cairoli concentrated on testing equipment and was happy to finish second in the MX1 class and overall sixth in the Elite class, it was a strong result for Dutch rider Jeffrey Herlings who won the MX2 class ahead of his KTM factory teammate Jeremy van Horebeek. Jeffrey and Jeremy also put in a strong showing in the Elite class to finish 3-4, despite a crash by Jeffrey and some arm pump problems for Jeremy.
“I really liked it here, it was a brand new track for me,” Jeffrey said. “I won the MX2 race and I finished third when we rode together with the MX1 guys and that was also alright. I had a crash in the second race, otherwise maybe I might have been able to stay in the front but it happened and I am not making any excuses. Anyway I am really happy with my riding and I think it is already a big improvement on last year.”
Tony Cairoli said he had enjoyed the weekend’s ride and underlined that the team was here to test and fine tune ahead of the World Championships. He plans to compete in the other three rounds of the Italian Championship to complete his preparation for the GPs. “I liked the way I started the day today. I had a bit of practice but then I wasn’t feeling so good so we changed the settings for the race and the bike was going really well,” he said. “I took the holeshot in the Elite race but then I didn’t feel so comfortable with my riding. I had some small problems with my goggles but we are trying out different stuff at the moment and these races are also for testing this kind of stuff. I will do all the races in the Italian Championship and hopefully we will have some nice races like today.” There are four rounds in the Italian National Championship.
Jeremy van Horebeek was also satisfied with his weekend. The Belgian KTM rider said he was feeling “better and better” and was happy to take second behind Jeffrey in the MX2 race. “In the second moto with the MX1 guys I had some arm pump and I slowed down. Then Jeffrey made a little mistake and I let him pass me. I didn’t take any risks and felt good all weekend. The new bike is going really. That’s important, so I am happy,” Jeremy said. Jeremy had to sit out most of last season with injuries and has been working hard on his preparation for the 2012 season
The MX2 riders Jeffrey, Jeremy and young rookie Jordi Tixier now plan to race three rounds in the Dutch Championship, where especially Jeffrey will receive a great welcome from his home fans. Jordi Tixier, the newest recruit to the team was unable to ride in Montevarchi because of feverish flu-like symptoms. Riding in the Dutch Championship will allow the three younger factory riders to fine tune their performance on sand ahead of the season’s opening GP in Valkenswaard, Netherlands at the beginning of April.
