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Motocross

The Danish MX3 GP proved to be fruitful ground for the JMRacing Team and their KTM riders with Sven Breugelmans taking the overall GP and in the championship lead, second only in the race to team-mate Alvaro Lozano.

The two KTM riders had already started their domination in Saturday's training, snapping the top two places in qualifying and signalling that they were a force to be reckoned with for Sunday's event.

Breugelmans, the team's Belgian rider is no stranger to the pressure of top racing so he went into the race intending to do what was necessary to extend his narrow 2-point lead over rival Christian Beggi. Sven's answer was simple. Driven by Lozano as his sharpest rival on the sandy Randers circuit, Sven went out and completed two faultless races to pick up a maximum of 50 points. Both races were the stuff dreams are made of for the team and KTM. Two holeshots for Sven who finished two second ahead of Lozano in race one and blew that out to a four second margin, again ahead of his team-mate in the second moto.

"I already noticed that Beggi and Martin were having trouble during qualifying so I was pretty confident that I could score a good result here in Denmark," Sven said. "Of course anything can happen in a GP so I am pleased to now have four consecutive race wins - two at the GP in Finland and now in Denmark."

KTM's Teillet new MX2 European Champion In other top action in the European MX2 Championship Valentin Teillet of JMRacing went into the GP in Randers needing only 10 points to wrap up the championship. It was Dutchman and KTM rider Ceriel Klein Kromhof who won the second race and the event but Teillet picked up equal 47 points with the leader to emerge the season's champion. For the young Frenchman it was something of a formality as he only needed to secure 10 points for the title.

Overall Results 1. Sven Breugelmans, Belgium, KTM 50 2. Alvaro Lozano, Spain, KTM 44 3. Antti Pyrhonen, Finland, Suzuki 36 4. William Saris , Netherlands, Yamaha 34 5. Cristian Beggi, Italy, Honda, 31

Championship standings after Randers 1. Sven Breugelmans, Belgium KTM 482 2. Cristian Beggi, Italy, 461 3. Christophe Martin, France, 440 4. Thomas Allier, France, 325 5. Kristof Salaets, Belgium, 276 6. Alvaro Lozano, Spain, 261

Overall result Randers EU MX2 1. Ceriel Klein Kromhof, Netherlands, KTM 47 2. Valentin Teillet, France, KTM 47 3. Herjan Brakke, Netherlands, Honda, 38 4. Nikolaj Larsen, Denmark, Suzuki, 36 5. Jan van Hastenberg, Netherlands, Honda, 31

Championship standings EU MX2 Championship 1. Valentin Teillet, France, KTM JMRacing, 467 - 2008 European Champion 467 points 2. Loic Rombaut, France, 346 3. Nikolaj Larsen, Denmark, 342 4. Loic Larrieu, France, 342 5. Ceriel Klein Kromhof , Netherlands, KTM 271

Simpson triumphs against all odds

2008 Maxxis British Motocross Championship Round 7 - Brampton, Cumbria

Shaun Simpson ­ KTM UK produced his best performance of the season, and perhaps the best of his career to date to reignite his British title hopes despite the odds being heavily stacked against him. Riding with a recently plated collarbone and a fever, Shaun dug deep to deliver an incredible 2 -1 result to triumph overall and to stretch his lead at the top of the table to fifteen points with just one round remaining.

Having undergone an operation to plate his broken collarbone just six days earlier, Simpson arrived at the penultimate round of the domestic series with the added complication of an acute urine infection. However despite having no appetite and flu like symptoms Shaun took to the track not knowing if he was going to survive qualifying let alone the two motos that could potentially wreck his championship hopes. A lowly eleventh place in timed practice revealed the scale of the task ahead.

Even with not the best pick of gates Simpson made one of his trademark lightning starts to become the surprise leader of the opening MX2 race and held off the attentions of Zac Osbourne until lap five. A mistake on one of the slowest corners of the undulating sandy circuit saw Shaun stall and drop to fifth spot as he struggled to restart his engine. A spirited and determined fight back saw the young Scot move into third place behind his main title rival Stephen Sword with two laps to go. Not satisfied with settling for safe points, Shaun made one last push to pass Sword and to signal his true championship intent.

The now deep rutted hillside track at Brampton looked a tough ask for the energy sapped Simpson, as the MX2 field assembled for their second moto of the day. Although this time Shaun was not first out of the gate, it was the twenty year old who emerged in front as the pack rounded the first turn. Again it was Osbourne who was the early threat, but an error by the American rider left Sword to pick up the challenge that raged through to four laps from the end. A tough move by Sword saw him collide with Simpson, but left the Kawasaki on the deck and Shaun to cruise to an important race and overall win.

A delighted, but exhausted Simpson stated: ³Yesterday I was not sure if I was going to be able to ride at all, so to win today feels absolutely incredible. I just did enough in practice this morning, but was still not over confident that I could ride at pace for race distance. Thankfully I got a good start in the first moto, and apart from one small mistake it was a dream result that gave me real motivation for the second race.²

³Again I made a good start, but it was tough as the track was really rough. I knew Swordy was closing, but I didn¹t have a lot left to respond. He made a strong move, which nearly took us both down, but somehow I managed to hang on and to bring it home safely. Today was all about damage limitation, so to have won and increased my lead in the championship is more than I could have ever hoped for.² Shaun continued.

Results: MX2 Moto One: 1: Osbourne 2: Simpson 3: Sword 4: Bradshaw 5: Nunn MX2 Moto Two: 1: Simpson 2: Barr 3: Bradshaw 4: Osbourne 5: Nunn 6: Sword MX2 Overall: 1: Simpson 47 2: Osbourne 43 3: Bradshaw 38 4: Sword 35

Championship to date: 1: Simpson 298 2: Sword 283 3: Barr 245

Final round: 21st September ­ Hawkstone Park

Attached web image(s) by the kind permission of rayarcher.com

The Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award still up for grabs

The hilltop circuit at Brampton, just to the east of Carlisle hosted a thrilling penultimate round of the 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship, leaving both titles still to be decided, and the prestigious Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award still up for grabs. MX1 series leader and Fuchs Silkolene backed rider Billy MacKenzie on his CAS Honda endured a day of damage limitation, taking fifth place overall whilst still suffering the effects of injuries sustained at the previous week's grand Prix. James Noble - KTM UK was the MX1 overall victor and closed the gap on MacKenzie in the series standings by a substantial seventeen points to give himself an outside chance at the final round of the championship that will be held at Hawkstone Park near Shrewsbury on 21st September. Brad Anderson - Swift Suzuki claimed fourth overall, and was the MX1 winner of the Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award at Brampton. Despite MacKenzie's relatively poor showing at the Cumbrian circuit, he still heads the three way charge for this new charity award, between himself Shaun Simpson - KTM UK and Stephen Sword - Molson Kawasaki.

The MX2 class was packed with drama, with Simpson going 2-1 to record a shock overall win just six days after having undergone an operation to plate a broken right collarbone. American rider Zac Osbourne - UTAG Yamaha followed Simpson home and took maximum points in MX2 Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award stakes, ahead of his team mate Martin Barr and Sword respectively. Fuchs Silkolene are the official lubricant partners of the 2008 championship in addition to being sponsors of this charity award. The award Using the information provided by the championship's official timekeepers, the fastest three riders in each class at each round are awarded bonus points on a 5, 3 and 1 basis respectively. In addition to the two class winners being presented with prizes at each round, their cumulative points total will also count towards a very important overall prize that will be concluded at the last round in September. The rider with the highest points tally, irrespective of class, following the final meeting at Hawkstone Park will be presented with "The Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award" and a cheque for one thousand five hundred pounds to donate to a recognised charity of their choice. The Fuchs Silkolene Charity Award

Results Round 7 - Brampton - 17th August 2008

MX1 MX2 1 - Brad Anderson 5 pts 1 - Zach Osbourne 5 pts

2 - Tom Church 3 pts 2 -Martin Barr 3 pts

3 - James Noble 1 pt 3 - Stephen Sword 1 pt

Overall MX1 to date 1 - Mackenzie 23, 2- Anderson 16, 3- Church 8, 4- Rawson 5, 5- Smith 4 Overall MX2 to date 1 -Sword 20, 2- Simpson 19, 3 - Barr 9, 4 - Searle/Osbourne 5, 5 - Dougan 2

Final event: Round 8 - Hawkstone Park - 21st September 2008 Issued by: G2F Media Ltd for and on behalf of Fuchs Lubricants (UK) Plc E: worldmedia@g2fmedia.com T: + 44 (0) 161 763 6660 F: + 44 (0) 161 763 6663

Clean sweep of MX2 for KTM riders at Belgium's Lommel 

KTM riders tackled the soft heavy sand of Lommel on Sunday at the MX2 GP of Belgium and came away with the top sixth places.

The two races delivered breathtaking action with race two shaking up the Red Bull KTM factory riders and championship leaders Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle who were involved in a pile up in the opening minutes. Both fought their way heroically back into the action but it was KTM supported rider Gert Krestinov of Estonia who snatched the overall victory. Second place went to Red Bull KTM's Rui Goncalves of Portugal while team-mate Tommy Searle was third, narrowing the gap on championship leader KTM's Tyla Rattray by just a single point.

Living a dream, Krestinov says "Things started going well for me yesterday," said the 18-year-old Estonian rider. "I feel like I am living a dream after taking the victory today. I did make a few mistakes in the first race and I couldn't manage better than eighth but then I went out and won the second race." Krestinov said he is quite at home on sand as he rides in similar conditions in Estonia. It is his second year in GP but he was taken out of action after he broke his leg at the German GP last season. "Now I hope to carry on and to stay with KTM. I really like the bike," he said.

Best result for the season for Goncalves "For sure it was my best result for the season so far," said second placed Rui Goncalves, who said he hoped the result was a reward for KTM and his team who have supported and believed in him throughout the season. "In race one I took the holeshot and found some good lines, but just wanted to stay focussed and not take any risks. The second race was very different. There were a lot of crashes and it was quite messy. I wasn't going so well but I managed to close the gap." Rui ended the day with the same points tally as Krestinov who took the top podium because of his victory in the second race.

Searle fights to the finish With the fever that comes with a true fight for the title, Searle, the British teenager also made it an all or nothing race from the back after the opening incident and despite several crashes was still on the podium in the final shakeout. "I didn't have such a good start in the first race," Tommy said. "Then I had problems at the gate in the second and then I was involved in the crash in the first corner. I managed to close down the gap in the second but I crashed again and stalled the bike and made another mistake in the final lap. But even if I did make some mistakes, I still managed to gain a point on Tyla." The two Red Bull KTM factory riders have established a significant lead in the championship standings, especially now that third placed Antonio Cairoli is out with a knee injury.

Easy win in first race for Rattray Rattray had an easy win in the first race and made a good start in race two but when van Horebeek went down directly in front of him in the first corner he was unable to avoid the crash. After the pileup in the opening stages Rattray tore his way through the tricky soft sand from the back of the pack to fourth place. He seemed certain to come out of the incident with the most points when the loose surface grabbed his front wheel, spilling him off this bike and suddenly the South African was back at seventeenth place. He put in a super human effort to finish in fourth place just behind Searle and rescue enough points to hang onto the red number plate. "I managed to close the gap after the crash in race two but then I stalled the bike and couldn't finish any higher in the order and lost some valuable points. Now I just plan to put my head down and work very hard for the rest of the season," he said.

Team boss Stefan Everts said it had been a very good weekend all round for KTM. "It was a pity that our riders crashed and couldn't finish with a better result but I am happy for Rui's second place because he is a hard fighter and worker." He also acknowledged Tyla as "the best rider and fighter on the circuit today."

MX2 Overall Results 1. Gert Krestinov, Estonia, KTM (8-1) 2. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM (3-4) 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM (2-6) 4. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM (1-10) 5. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 6. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM Other KTM 9. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 12. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM

Overall standings 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 452 2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 432 3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 357 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 312 5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 279 Other KTM 7. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 232 12. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 174 15. Jeremy Tarroux, France 140 16. Joel Roelants, Belgium, 133

Barragan continues in top form to snatch overall MX1 victory in Belgium 

Jonathan Barragan of KTM Silver Action on Sunday proved that Spanish riders are completely at home in the soft heavy sand of the Lommel motocross track, notching up yet another overall MX1 victory.

Barragan, who was on top of the podium for the third consecutive GP and his fourth win of the season has now thrown down the gauntlet and is within range of catching the championship leaders in what is shaping up to be a nail biting finish. At fifth in the standings, he is just 31 points behind the leader Steve Ramon with still 200 points up for grabs from the eight remaining races.

Test of physical fitness, Barragan says "Today I started well and I had a good speed so I am riding with a lot of confidence. I pushed quite hard in the first race but after the start of the second race I decided to pull back a bit to conserve my energy and I think this allowed me to go on an win and take the overall victory," Barragan said. "Some people were surprised that a Spanish rider could win on sand but I think the track conditions are not as important as my physical condition. This year I have been focussed on the bike and the settings and working with my team and this has worked out very well for me."

Nagl still hoping for top five finish at end of season Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl, now completely free of the virus that tempered his performance in the first half of the season is also brimming with confidence and is back on the podium in third place following his second place in South Africa. Nagl, who lives very close to the Lommel circuit said he had ridden over to the track on his bicycle but "was too tired to ride home again" after the tough races on Sunday. "It was my goal to finish in the top five at the end of the season and that now seems possible," the German rider said. "My team has done a very good job with the bike and for sure its one of the hottest in the paddock." Nagl was also happy with the changes to the Lommel circuit. "There are good jumps and the corners are much better. This is a track that suits me," he said.

KTM team boss Stefan Everts also paid tribute to Barragan's victory and said that Nagl showed his true potential, especially in the second race. "The fight for the MX1 title is not over yet and we still have one big sand race coming up," he said.

MX1 Overall Result 1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM Team Silver Action (2-1) 2. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki 3. Max Nagl, Germany, Red Bull KTM (6-2) 4. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda 5. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki

Championship Standings 1. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 362 2. David Philipaerts, Italy, 360 3. Jonathan Coppins, New Zealand, 345 4. Ken de Dycker, Belgium, 336 5. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 331 6. Steve Pourcel France, 306 7. Max Nagl, Germany, 290

Red Bull KTM's Searle and Rattray a great 1-2 in South African MX2 GP 

In what is now effectively a two-man KTM race for the MX2 world championship title, Tommy Searle came out on top in the GP at Nelspruit, South Africa while local hero Tyla Rattray placed second.

Great team result Tommy put in a superb and victorious first race but Tyla crashed and had to attack from the back for his third place. The second race then became the full focus of Red Bull KTM Factory Team's local boy and he made few mistakes. The banners read "Go Go Rattray" and he did. Like Searle in race one, Rattray immediately took control of the race right from the start and amassed enough of a lead to be able to cruise home in the final lap, waving to the crowd. He crossed the line, punching the air with his fist to the joyous cheers of his South African compatriots and a sea of national flags.

Searle rides two superb races Searle rode two great races and garnered praise from team boss Stefan Everts who said he "was very consistent and showed character". "I had a pretty good feeling this weekend," the British teenager said. "I'm very satisfied with the results of the GP today. I had a good start in the first race but I took the first corner too wide. Even so I managed to win by 11 seconds. I didn't have such a good start in the second heat and I didn't really get the same rhythm as in the first but the result was important for the championship. It's a nice track, full of jumps and I enjoyed it."

Rattray retains red number plate While Tyla was denied the overall victory by just a couple of points, he does retain the coveted red number plate as the championship leader, some compensation for standing on the second step on the podium. "It was not so bad today," Tyla said. I had quite a good start in the first heat but I made a mistake and crashed. I could have done better in that one. But then I took the holeshot in the second and I led throughout the race." Tyla also paid tribute to his fans and the support they gave him.

Goncalves disappointed in day's performance Rui Goncalves, the third factory rider in the Red Bull KTM team was luckless in South Africa. He said he felt sorry that he had put in a disappointing performance. "I cannot find an excuse for my bad day and that I wasn't able to do better today. I will go to Lommel and do everything to give my best." Goncalves, who has been suffering from flu, finished in 14th place.

Title race now between two KTM heroes Searle and Rattray went into the GP as two of three riders vying for the title and came out in the knowledge that it was probably going to be decided between the two Red Bull KTM team members. Arch rival Antonio Cairoli, the 2007 title holder had to retire from both races after a knee injury and it now remains to be seen if he will be able to start in the next GP in Belgium's Lommel. Everts extended his sympathy to Cairoli and wishes him a good recovery and a return to racing. "Its tough but we know from our own experience that these tings happen in racing," he said.

MX2 GP Overall results 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 3. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 4. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki 5. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM Other KTM 7. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 14. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 15. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 16. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM

Standings 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 416 2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 395 3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 357 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 287 5. Nicolas Aubin, France243 Other KTM 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 8. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 197 13. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM158 14. Jeremy Tarroux, France, 140 17. Joel Roelants, Belgium, 99

KTM MX1 double with Barragan and Nagl in South African GP 

KTM rider Jonathan Barragan of Team Silver Action and Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl rounded off a near perfect day for KTM at Nelstpruit South Africa snatching the top two overall places in the MX1 GP

The two riders onboard the KTM machines duplicated the MX2 GP results making the trip to the Southern Hemisphere well worthwhile for the Austrian manufacturer.

KTMs triumph in South African races Barragan of Spain scored a 3-1 result while Nagl netted 4-2. The German factory rider led the first race until the last 10 minutes when he was overtaken by Steve Ramon and several other riders and had to settle for fourth. Determined to make good his promise to be on the podium he led again in the second race before he was challenged for the lead in the final stages by fellow KTM rider Barragan. For the Spaniard it was his second victory after Sweden in the last round.

GP victory a birthday present for Barragan "I'm very happy with the overall victory," Barragan said. "The track was fast and there were good lines. I already had a good feeling yesterday and I knew I had a good speed. The track was easy to ride and I hope to be able to continue this good success that I have had in Sweden and here when we race in Lommel." The Spaniard celebrated his birthday on Saturday and said the victory was the best present he could give himself.

Nagl on podium "We did a pretty good job today," Nagl said after the race. "I got the holeshot in both heats but it was a bit dusty in the second heat and the visibility was bad when the sun started to go down. No we will now train in sand to get ready for the races in Lommel." "Max was in good form the whole weekend," said KTM team boss Stefan Everts. "We already saw on Saturday that he was very fast. He was a bit nervous in the first heat but this is still a learning year for him. He got the holeshot in the second heat but in the end, Jonathan was pushing really hard."

Nelspruit, in the north east corner of South Africa offered a soft, but not sandy surface and a track that offered a whole range of challenges for the riders set in the picturesque Crocodile River Valley, a venue and atmosphere very different to the next GP in Lommel, Belgium.

Overall MX1 GP results 1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 2. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM 3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 4. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 5. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki Other KTM 11 Markus Schiffer, Germany, KTM 16. James Noble, Britain, KTM

Championship standings 1. David Philippaerts, Italy, 339 2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 328 3. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, 316 4. Ken de Dycker, Belgium, 296 5. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 284 7. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 253

Barragan takes MX1 Swedish GP; Nagl bounces back to win second moto

KTM riders continued their charge for glory and podium places in the MX1 GP in Uddevala, Sweden on Sunday with KTM rider Jonathan Barragan scoring a 1-2 result in the two motos in rugged and muddy conditions.

"It was a very good weekend for me," said Barragan of the KTM-supported Team Silver Action. It's my second overall GP win of the season and I had a really good feeling in the track. I pushed very hard in the second heat and I was riding for a podium. Max rode very well today and I did not want to take any risks. From now on I want to be on the podium all the time."

Great second moto for Max Nagl Red Bill KTM's factory rider Max Nagl also had a good day putting in a stunning renaissance performance to snatch victory in race two. "I didn't ride so well in the first heat, I was too slow and the track was very slippery. I had hard mousse in the rear tyre but we changed it to softer mousse for the second race and this was much better for me. "

Nagl on the road to recovery Nagl, who was last week successfully diagnosed as having a virus has been gaining strength each day with treatment and looked untouchable in the second heat finishing 16 seconds ahead of Barragan. Riding at the front of the field for the entire race meant he escaped much of the mud and debris thrown up by the other riders on the circuit that was badly cut up after overnight rain that continued through Sunday. It was Nagl's maiden moto victory of the season on a course where he didn't ride last year because of injury. Nagl will train in the sand at Lommel in Belgium next week and plans to compete in the ADAC Masters in Austria next weekend.

Everts satisfied and looking forward to second half of the season "Max had a good opening to the season and was on the podium in Valkenswaard in the first round but he has had some health problems and so has not been able to deliver what I hoped for. But he was good today and also good last weekend in Germany, even if he did have some bad luck with a DNF in one of the races. Now I would like him to put together two good results in the weekend and pick up some more podiums. Jonathan is also riding well and has two GP wins so far. I am quite optimistic that he will finish in the top five at the end of the season," KTM team boss and multi world champion Stefan Everts summarised.

Race One 1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 2. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda 3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 4. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 5. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki, 12 Max Nagl, Germany, KTM

Race Two 1. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM 2. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 4. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 5. Josh Coppins, New Zealand,

Overall Results 1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 3. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 4. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM 5. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, Honda

Championship Standings 1. David Philippaerts, Italy, 302 points 2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 290 3. Josh Coppins, News Zealand, 286 4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium 266 5. Sebastien Pourcel, France, 241 6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 239 7. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 213

Rattray second in Uddevala; retains MX2 Red Plate as championship leader

Red Bull KTM factory rider Tyla Rattray scored a 1-3 finish in the two motos for overall second in a mud and rain-soaked MX2 GP in Uddevala, southern Sweden.

The South African's days work gave him 45 points to retain his lead in the championship and the coveted red plate, despite a tenacious effort by his nemesis Antonio Cairoli of Italy whose 1-2 result gave him the top podium step on the day.

Visibility problems With mud flying and the track badly cut up after overnight riders, including Rattray, struggled with visibility. "I didn't have a good start in the first heat but I was able to catch up and win easily. I had a good start in the second and I was second behind Shaun, but I had to hang back after I had to get rid of my goggles," Rattray said. "I lost two points to Antonio but we have some good tracks coming up so I am positive." Rattray now goes to the next race in his home country as the championship leaders and is guaranteed to have a huge public following in the next round. Next eek he plans to train on the sand at Lommel in Belgium before going to South Africa. He also plans to compete in the ADAC Masters in Austria next weekend.

Good day for Shaun Simpson Shaun Simpson of KTM UK had a good day in difficult conditions for a 3-2- result for third place on the GP podium. "It was really tough and very slick today and it was a good weekend for me. I could see on Saturday that I was fast. Then I took the holeshot in the first race and I knew I would be good in the second," Simpson said. "It's good to be on the podium again but next time I need to get one step higher!" Simpson was also on the podium in third place in Bulgaria.

Searle wants to work on aspects of his riding Red Bull KTM rider Tommy Searle had a brush with title holder Antonio Cairoli in race one and finished in sixth place. He was with the front runners in race two and was third for overall fourth on the day. "Today was not good for me," he said. "I had problems with my goggles and I couldn't see. Also I didn't like the track so much and it wasn't like it was last year. My riding was ok but I still have some things to work on. Tommy is third in the overall season's standings

Goncalves rides with injured wrist The third of the Red Bull KTM trio, Rui Goncalves injured his wrist during training on Saturday and it was still very swollen on Sunday. He had it strapped and had anti inflammatory injections and pain killers ending the day with a 7-6 result for overall sixth. "Considering the problems I had with my arm it wasn't so bad to finish sixth and I am quite satisfied. I have to rest if for two days and then I will know if I can train on the sand this week," Rui said.

Stefan Everts pleased with season so far "So far we have been good in MX2. We are in the lead and we have had the red number plate both with Tyla and Tommy . I want us to maintain this strong position in the second half of the season. We have seen some times that Cairoli is faster so if we are able to win, it will be great," Everts said. KTM was the supreme manufacturer at Uddevala in MX2, snatching five of the top six places in the overall MX2 results.

Race one 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 2. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 3. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 4. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki 5. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 6. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 7. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM

Race two 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 3. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 4. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 5. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM

Overall 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 3. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 4. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 5. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM Other KTM 7. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 8. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 15. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM

Championship standings 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 371 points 2. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 357 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 348 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 251 5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, 227 Other KTM 9. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 170 12. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 146 14. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 127 16. Joel Roelants, Belgium, 99

Tyla Rattray the Red Bull KTM hero of MX2 at Teutschenthal, Germany

Red Bull KTM's South African rider Tyla Rattray came, saw and conquered the rough track at Teutschenthal, Germany on Sunday with a 2-1 result for overall victory. Rattray's second race left no-one in doubt that he is hot property and determined to go to his home GP in South Africa as the holder of the red number placte as the championship leader. Top racing Rattray came in second in the first race behind title holder and arch rival Antonio Carioli but was supreme in the second, amassing a lead of some 30 seconds in the closing stages, enough to coast home and enjoy the adoration of the crowd on the way back to the chequered flag. "I went out hard and I feel so good on the bike that I just feel I can hit the level I want at any time," he said. I had two good starts and I had some good lines. I put in some good laps and it would be great to take the red plate back to South Africa. I love to race and I love to win." Rattray must first compete in Sweden, a circuit he says he enjoys and then he heads south for the races in his own country.

Two holeshots for Goncalves Team-mate Rui Goncalves also showed renewed confidence for two homeshots and a 6-4 result and overall fourth place. Goncalves shot out of the start gates in race two and led for the opening laps and only after riders had settled into the race was he overcome by Rattray and eventually had to settle for fourth place, still a confidence building result for the rider in his first year in the factory team. "I had two good starts and two holeshots. I was fast in the first laps of race two but then things got tight and Tyla passed me. Still it was a great weekend for me and I am very happy," Rui said after the race.

Hard weekend for Searle It was not the day for the other Red Bull KTM factory rider, Tommy Searle of Britain. But he did managed to scrape the points together to finish overall fifth, despite a nasty crash with just five minutes to go in race two that threw him over the handlebars and knocked him from third to ninth position. Searle brushed it off as a "silly mistake" but said it had been a hard weekend. "I had a bad start in the first race but I was riding well. Then it was better in the second race until I had that crash. It was hard because the track was very rough and I was having some trouble with my shock absorber. Still I'm looking forward to the next race in Sweden. It's where I had my first win and I like the track there." For his day's work, Tommy did pick up 32 additional championship points and is still second in the standings behind Rattray. Goncalves is consolidating and is now fifth.

Overall results 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 2. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 3. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki 4. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 5. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM Other KTM 6. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 7. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 11. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM 12. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 19. Anthony Boisserie France, KTM Standings 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 326 points 2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 315 3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 310 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, 209 5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 198 10. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 148 11. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 134 14. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM

Max Nagl unlucky in Germany at home MX1 GP

Red Bull KTM rider Max Nagl got off to a great start in the MX1 GP of Germany in Teutschenthal on Sunday but technical difficulties denied him the chance of a probable podium. The German factory rider took a confident holeshot in the first moto and was having no problems sticking with the front riders when technical difficulties foiled his chances of raking in points. He was back and in good form in the second moto and was again up with the front runners. "I was in front of Josh (Coppins) and it looked like I might make the podium but then I started to get tired and in the end finished fourth," Nagl said, The track, which had been softened with sand took a beating during the weekend due to the heavy program of races and by the time the second MX1 moto was run, at the end of the day, it was clear that riders were struggling on the badly cut up surface.

Nagl is now concentrating on the next race in Sweden where he hopes to do well. "I have been there once before and although there have been some changes since then, I like the track," he said. Jonathan Barragan of the KTM-supported Team Silver Action had a luckless day and got caught up in one of a number of spills in the second moto and failed to finish, salvaging only seven points for his efforts in the first race.

Overall classification 1. Joshua Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha 2. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki 3. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki, 4. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 5. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki 11. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM 15 Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM 18. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 19. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM

Standings 1. David Philippaerts, 266 2. Josh Coppins, 262 3. Steve Ramon, 250 4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, 240 5. Sebastien Pourcel, 231 6. Jonathan Barragan, KTM, 192 8. Max Nagl, KTM, 179

Laier wins again in Women's MX2 World Championship Round Four

KTM-supported rider Steffi Laier was a real crowd pleaser in her home race in Teutschenthal, Germany, rocketing to a 3-1 result in the two races of Round Four of the women's MX2 World Championship. The first race was closely fought with just two second between first and third place, but she was outstanding in race two, finishing 18 seconds ahead of second placed Maria Franke, also of Germany. Third from four round victories It was Laier's third outright victory from four rounds and some compensation for having missed the opening round in Bulgaria. She is now second in the championship with one round to go and has closed the gap to leader Livia Lancelot to just 20 points. Bid for title Laier still has to stay ahead of countrywoman Franke, who is on equal points but with another fifty points up for grabs in the final round and having showed she is in peak form, she can definitely make a bid for the title.

Overall 1. Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM, 3-1 2. Livia Lancelot, France, Kawasaki, 3. Maria Franke, Germany, Kawasaki, 4. Elin Mann, Sweden, KTM 5. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki

Standings 1. Livia Lancelot, France, Kawasaki, 165 2. Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM, 145 3. Maria Franke, Germany, Kawasaki, 145 4. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki, 124 5. Kathryn Prumm, New Zealand, Yamaha, 122

Double victory for Tommy Searle at MX2 Grand Prix of France

Red Bull KTM factory rider Tommy Searle on Sunday wrapped up his first career 1-1 result for a clean sweep of the Grand Prix of France at St. Jean D'Angely and took possession of the coveted red number plate as championship leader.

Searle rode two superb races for the top podium slot. After a glorious ride in the first race, he took an early lead in race two. Title holder Antonio Cairoli challenged Searle for the front position about ten minutes into the race but the Italian slid off the bike and Tommy took charge again.

Elated Searle "I came to the track hoping for some points but I never thought I would end up with a 20-point lead. It's a great birthday present for me," the 19-year-old said. Tommy celebrated his birthday on Friday. "This is the first time I have had a double win. It gives me confidence and makes me mentally strong for Germany. It's a track I like," he added.

Rattray makes two great recoveries Red Bull KTM's Tyla Rattray made two magnificent recoveries from the back of the pack in both races. He got tangled with arch rival Cairoli in race one and while the Italian was unable to complete the race, Rattray made a charge from the back of the field, eventually rescuing points to finish in sixth place. In race two he was equally competent recovering from an incident at the start to charge through the field to close the gap on Searle in the final stages, locking down second in both the race and the GP. "I am not that happy because I had set myself a goal of getting back the red number plate but I can be satisfied," he said. "I crashed with Toni (Cairoli) in the first race and although I managed to start again I was right at the back. Then I hit the gate a bit in the start of the second race and was only about fourth or fifth. But I managed to get close to Tommy. There's still a lot of races to go and I like the track in Germany. I can have a good ride there."

Third place in the GP also went to KTM thanks to French rider Anthony Boissiere of the KTM-supported Team HDI France who was riding on his favourite circuit and enjoyed a lot of support from the French fans.

Goncalves finishes thirteenth The third Red Bull KTM factory rider, Rui Goncalves of Portugal finished the day with sixteenth and eleventh position in the two races for overall thirteenth and expressed disappointment that until now he has not been able to convert his good training results into equally good ones on the track. "I have to get rid of the pressure I am putting on myself," he said. He is sixth in the championship standings.

Everts satisfied Team boss Stefan Everts was also very pleased with his MX2 riders. "It was a good weekend for us. Both Tommy and Tyla got a lot of points. Our boys are concentrated and consistent. They are very strong and got great results by fighting hard. That's what we expect from our riders," he said. "Tyla was lucky that the bike was not damaged and he was not injured in the crash with Toni Cairoli. He's a very strong fighter and it was a great result for him. Now Tommy and Tyla can put pressure on Toni and they know they can beat him. This result is very important for our confidence for the coming races."

The weekend shakes up the championship standings between the top three contenders with Searle and Rattray getting both the points and psychological edge on arch rival Cairoli and underlining that after seven rounds, the championship is still wide open.

Results Race One 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 39:12.650 2. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM, 39:18.009 3. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 39:20.147 4. Xavier Boog, France, Suzuki, 39:22,272 5. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha, 39:25.602 Other KTM 6. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 39:37.637 10. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 39:58.250 16. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 40:11.477 17. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM, 40:14.727 19. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM, 40:36.311

Results Race Two 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 40:03.228 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 40:03.863 3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 40:17.462 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM, 40:54.544 5. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki 40.59.015 Other KTM 6. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 41:29.972 11. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 41:42.048 13. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM, 40:18.967 18. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM, 40:36.311

Overall GP Results 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 3. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM 4. Xavier Boog, France, Suzuki 5. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM Other KTM 9. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 13. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 16. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 22. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM

Championship Standings 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 283 points 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 279 3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 263 4. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha, 185 5. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM, 178 Other KTM 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 163 10. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 126 11. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 120 16. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM, 89 18. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM, 73

MX1 Podium place for Jonathan Barragan in France

Jonathan Barragan of KTM-supported Team Silver Action scored a 3-6 result in the two MX1 motos to finish on the podium in third place at the Grand Prix of France at St. Jean D'Angely to be the best KTM rider.

"The first heat was good even if I did have a crash at fourth place and dropped back to seventh. I managed to close the gap and finish third and that was the maximum I could do as I was quite tired from the crash. This is a difficult track and it's not my favourite, the Spanish rider said. "I had a bad start in the second race because there was a crash in front of me but I came from behind and I overtook 25 riders. The results were not the best but it was enough to get me on the podium and to pick up some more points."

Nagl solid despite health problems Given the fact that he has some unresolved health problems, Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl of Germany also had a good day picking up a total of 29 championship points for his seventh and eighth position in the two races for overall GP fifth. He will have medical tests in Germany this week but said he was "really exhausted" after 20 minutes on the track in each of the races. "I was still able to pick up some points and to move up two places in the championship standings," Nagl added.

Everts confident "Considering his physical condition, Max rode well in the first heat and he also rode very well for the first 20 minutes of the second heat," team boss Stefan Everts said. "He has not been able to train as much so I am quite happy. He has a good feeling and he's going in the right direction. He will make a good comeback and will get the results."

Barragan, who won the last GP in Britain, and Nagl in his first year as a factory rider with the Austrian manufacturer, are currently in sixth and seventh place in the championship standings.

Results MX1 Race One 1. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 40.09.573 2. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 40:11.425 3. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 40:22.131 4. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki, 40:34.260 5. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 40:39.740 Other KTM 8. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM, 40:51.0742 14. Julien Vanni, France, KTM, 41:33.349 16. James Noble, Britain, KTM, 41:35.696

Results MX1 Race Two 1. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 40:04.650 2. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 40:06.458 3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 40:07.763 4. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda, 40:09.723 5. Steve Boniface, France, Yamaha, 40:30.334 Other KTM 6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 40:36.724 8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 40:43.703 9. James Noble, Britain, KTM, 40:46.458

Results GP Classification 1. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki 2. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha 3. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 5. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM Other KTM 14. James Noble, Britain, KTM 15. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM

Barragan tops podium at MX1 GP in Mallory Park 

Victory was safe in the hands of KTM rider Jonathan Barragan in the MX1 Grand Prix of Britain on Sunday after he was third and first in the two individual motos.

The Spanish rider from the KTM supported Team Silver Action was in brilliant form on the man made track at Mallory Park, the first time the MX World Championships had competed on the varied and technically challenging circuit.

Confident and comfortable Barragan, who kept his skills sharpened by winning an MX3 GP as a guest rider for the JM Racing team last weekend, looked confident and comfortable on the British circuit where sand had been mixed with the natural soil on the corners. "I had some problems with the shock in the first heat but we changed the settings for the second and it went much better for me. I am very happy to my have my first GP win for 2008 but I am a bit sorry that it has not come sooner than this," Barragan said. The Spanish rider said liked the jumps on the British circuit but there were a lot of bumps. "Riders here have to be really fit," he said.

Action packed finish The track became deeply rutted and increasingly difficult to master as the day wore on and Barragan had an anxious moment in the final run in to the checkered flag in race two. He got caught up in the ruts and slipped off the bike but displayed a cool head and lightning reactions, was back on the bike in a flash without relinquishing any of his lead.

Valiant fourth in race on for Nagl Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl of Germany was not so lucky. After a valiant fourth place in the opening MX1 moto, Nagl came unstuck in the heat of the battle in the opening minutes of race two and a stone hit him on the nose. Dizzy and with the wound bleeding badly, he wasn't able to continue. Doctors suspected that he may have broken his nose and he will check on Monday with his own doctor in Belgium. Nagl was however quite positive about his riding in the first heat. "I liked the circuit here. It's a real English track with deep lines and I was up with the front runners all the way in the first race." James Noble of Team KTM UK was tenth in front of his home crowd.

Results 1. Jonathan Barragan, KTM 2. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki 3. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 5. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki

Other KTM 10. James Noble, Britain, (Team KTM UK) 17. Markus Schiffer, Germany (Sarholz) 19. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary (Sarholz)

Championship Standings 1. David Philippaerts, Italy, 223 points 2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 195 3. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, 175 4. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, 168 5. Bill Mackenzie, Britain, 159

Other KTM 7. Jonathan Barragan, Spain. 150 9. Max Nagl, Germany, 132 14. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, 80 15. Markus Schiffer, Germany, 71 18. James Noble, Britain, 48

Rattray and Searle second and third at MX2 GP of Britain

Red Bull KTM's Tyla Rattray snatched the first moto but got caught up in crashes in the second on a roughed up circuit at Mallory Park finishing overall second behind Italy's Antonio Cairoli in the GP of Britain.

Factory teammate Tommy Searle was third and second in the two motos for overall third place in front of his home crowd while fellow Briton and KTM rider Shaun Simpson finished fourth. With Anthony Boissiere of the KTM supported HDI France team in sixth place, riders of the Austrian manufacturer took four of the first sixth places. The third Red Bull KTM rider, Rui Goncalves of Portugal had a luckless day and finished eleventh.

Tyla charges through pack in second race Rattray made a huge effort to hunt down the leaders after dropping right back in the order in the early part of the second moto. He made an impressive charge from the back of the field, continually gaining ground on the front group. Although the gap between fourth and third was too great for him to breach, he did well to salvage his fourth place for 18 valuable championship points. The KTM factory rider from South Africa, while promising to come back strong in the next event, was clearly disappointed to have to relinquish the coveted red number plate as championship leader to rival Cairoli by a single point.

Committed to regaining red plate "I plan to get the red plate back in the next GP," said a determined Rattray. "Today I got the holeshot in the first race and I managed to stay out in front all the way. It's hard to pass on this circuit and you have to be very concentrated to get good lines." Rattray did just that after being involved in two crashes in the first part of race two.

Searle hoped for more at Mallory Park Tommy Searle was less than satisfied with his day in front of his home crowd, particularly when his chances of getting the lead in race one were spoilt by a close encounter with arch rival Cairoli. "My riding was ok but not brilliant today," he said. "I didn't have very good starts and I made a few mistakes. At the end of the second race there was just too much of a gap for me to be able to close it." Tommy now trails Cairoli by 10 points in what has developed into a three rider competition (Cairoli, Rattray and Searle) for the title.

Bad day for Rui Goncalves Red Bull KTM's Rui Goncalves admitted his day had not been a good one. "I had problems with the lines in the first race and my riding as not good. I tried to relax more in the second but it just seemed to get worse. Then I had a crash and hit my knee and my head and blacked out for a moment." Goncalves will also get a medical check on Monday.

First time at Mallory Park Circuit The man-made circuit at Mallory Park, some 50 km from the city of Birmingham, is constructed on the interior of an existing and well known road racing facility. It was the first time riders in the MX world championship have raced here on this technical and demanding circuit. The surface is medium soft and sand has been added to the corners.

MX2 GP Results 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM (Red Bull KTM) 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM (Red Bull KTM) 4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM (KTM UK) 5. Stephen Sword, Britain, Kawasaki Other KTM 6. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM (Team HDI France) 11. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM (Red Bull KTM) 12. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM (GP Juniors Team Champ) 13. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM (Team Silver Action) 19. Julien Vanni, France, KTM (Team HDI France)

Championship Standings 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 243 points 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, 242 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, 233 4. Nicolas Aubin, France, 158 5. Shaun Simpson, Britain, 156 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, 148 Other KTM 10. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, 109 13. Anthony Boissiere, France, 91 12. Joel Roelants, Belgium, 68 17. Jeremy Tarroux, France, 59 30. Julien Vanni, France, 12

MX3 GP victory for guest KTM rider Jonathan Barragan

Jonathan Barragan, Spain's MX1 rider for the KTM-supported Team Silver Action stood in for the injured Alvaro Lozano of the JM Racing Team at the MX3 Grand Prix in Alhama de Murcia on Sunday and came away with victories in both motos.

Barragan, riding Lozano's KTM machine, said after qualifying that he had a "good feeling" and hoped to finish in the top three. That was no problem for the experienced Spanish rider. Clearly at home in front of his own crowd, he romped home with impressive winning margins in both the first and the second heat of Round Six of the MX3 world championship. Battle with Campano Paying tribute to the efforts of JM racing Team and how they prepared Lozano's KTM machine for him to compete, Barragan said "We had a big battle with Campano and it was very exciting. I was fast in yesterday's qualifying but it took me a while to feel comfortable during the race." Carlos Campano was second to Barragan in both motos.

Breugelmans rescues points in second moto On a day when the weather was changeable and some rain fell during the races, KTM factory rider Sven Breugelmans crashed during the first race and did not finish. The Belgian had crashed during Saturday's qualifying and bruised his wrist badly, managing only to qualify in 14th place. He put in a solid second moto to rescue third place behind Barragan and Campano and add another 20 points to his championship standings but it was not an easy weekend.

Breugelmans starts with injured wrist "My wrist was hurting a lot and I needed to have it taped to start in Sunday's races. I made a good start in the first race and was right on Campano's tail who was in second position behind Barragan when I crashed in lap 11 and wasn't able to finish the race," said Breugelmans. He had a pain killing injection between the two heats and was up with Barragan and Campano at the front of the pack in race two. "Then the pain killer started to wear off and I had to let go of Campano and settle for 3rd." Leader Cristian Beggi was also not on the podium on Sunday but has extended his lead to 235 points. Breugelmans from Belgium is second with 219 points at the conclusion of the sixth round. Beggi and Breugelmans have already taken a substantial lead on the MX3 other riders.

Teilet's winning streak on hold In the EUMX2 GP series, JM Racing's Valentin Teilet onboard his KTM had to put his winning streak on hold on a compact, one line circuit that did not suit his riding style. He crashed in both motos and registered only thirteenth overall at the Spanish circuit. Despite the luckless weekend he still leads the overall championship standings by 20 points over Loic Larrieu.

MX3 Round Six Results 1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 2. Carlos Campano, Spain, Yamaha 3. Christophe Martin, France, Husqvarna 4. Cristian Beggi, Italy, Honda 5. Adrian Garrido Gago, Spain, Yamaha 10. Sven Breugelmans, Belgium, KTM

Championship Standings 1. Cristian Beggi, Italy, Honda, 235 points 2. Sven Breugelmans, Belgium, KTM, 219 3. Christophe Martin, France, Husqvarna, 160 4. Patrick Caps, Belgium, 157 5. Thomas Allier, France, 148

Result GP EUMX2 1 Arnaud Tonus, Switzerland, KTM 2 Loic Rombaut, France, Kawasaki 3 Nikolaj Larsen,Denmark, Suzuki 4 Loic Larrieu, France, Kawasaki 5 Kenny van Dueren, Belgium, KTM 13 Valentin Teillet, France KTM

Rattray and Searle take minor podium places in Mantova

Red Bull KTM factory rider Tyla Rattray of South Africa overcame flu to race to second podium place in the Grand Prix of Italy on the sandy Mantova circuit on Sunday while teammate Tommy Searle was third.

Despite a formidable finish by title holder Antonio Cairoli of Italy in the second MX2 race of the day, Tyla was able to amass 42 championship points to keep ownership of the coveted red number plate as the championship leader. After five rounds, Rattray now has 199 points, a mere three point lead on his arch rival, while Tommy Searle, his Red Bull KTM factory teammate is close behind with 191 points. Searle finished third in Mantova.

Tyla keeps leader's Red Number Plate "I'm very happy to still have the red number plate," Tyla said after the race. "Today I started to feel better after having had the flu this week and my results were quite ok. The track was very bumpy from the rain and we had to work on the bike's settings." Tyla was third in heat one and said that was because he was behind Cairoli when the Italian crashed and he lost time because of the incident. "I got a good start in the second heat but I took the first corner a bit too wide and I got overtaken." With rain falling and the track getting cut up, Rattray said he didn't want to push too hard in the second heat and take any unnecessary risks. He finished behind Cairoli but in front of teammate Searle in heat two, a result he said was "fine for me".

Searle hampered with arm pain in heat one Tommy Searle was hampered with arm pain in the first heat and was quite satisfied with his fourth place. "I made some mistakes and just tried to stay on the bike," he said. "I did try to catch Tyla and Cairoli in the second heat but I wasn't able to manage it. Also the track was ruined after all the rain at the weekend." Tommy will now return to the UK for some concentrated training ahead of his home GP in two week's time.

Shaun Simpson of KTM UK finished fifth, KTM rider Jeremy van Horebeek of Belgium and GP Juniors Team Champ, finished seventh, one place ahead of the third Red Bull KTM factory rider, Rui Goncalves of Portugal.

Rui Goncalves satisfied with rhythm Rui Goncalves, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday at the track-side Red Bull Energy Station, said that even though he finished in overall eighth position he was happy with his riding and rhythm on the Mantova circuit. "I crashed twice in the second heat and I had to go into the pit lane and try to straighten my handlebars so I lost quite a lot of time," he said. "Overall I am quite satisfied. I am still working well with Stefan Everts (Red Bull KTM Team manager) and my mechanics."

GP Results 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 4. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 5. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM

Other KTM 7. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 8. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 14. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM 17. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM

Standings 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 199 points 2. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 196 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 191 4. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha, 146 5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 132

Other KTM 6. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM, 124 8. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM, 109 13. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, 63 15. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM, 54 19. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM, 46

Nagl wins second MX1 heat at Italian GP 

Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl of Germany was on top form in the second race of the MX1 Grand Prix of Italy in Mantova on Sunday to be first past the checkered flag ahead of David Philippaerts and Marc de Reuver.

On a day where rain attacked the track in the second half of the MX1 competition, Nagl put in one of his most impressive performances for the current season for overall fifth place on the day. It was a significant improvement on his twelfth ranking in the first race and the first time since joining the MX1 class that he had lead the rest of the field home.

Double holeshot for Nagl in Mantova "I got the holeshot in the first heat but I was a bit late in the break so I got passed in the first corner. Then I was tucked in behind Ramon and I couldn't see the line and I crashed. Then I had to work my way back from the back of the pack and I couldn't manage better than twelfth," Nagl said. He again took the holeshot in the second heat and although he was passed by Josh Coppins in the early stage be managed to retake the lead, got out in front and stayed there. Clearly satisfied with his ride in the second heat, Nagl said that the track had got very rough and cut up due to the rain that fell, particularly at the start of the second MX2 race.

KTM team boss Stefan Everts has declared 2008 a learning and experience season for Nagl, who is riding for the Red Bull KTM factory team for the first time in 2008.

Overall GP Results 1. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda 2. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki 3. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki 5. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM

Other KTM 10. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM 13. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM 16. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM

Standings 1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 187 points 2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 159 3. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 149 4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki, 135 5. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, Honda, 130

Other KTM 8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 114 9. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 105 11. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM, 74 15. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM, 59

Sven Breugelmans wins Round Four MX3 World Championship

KTM factory rider Sven Breugelmans of Belgium came home strongly in the two motos of the fourth round of the MX3 World Championship in Plomion in France to finish third and first and take the top podium spot for the day.

Riding for the JM Racing Team, Sven was third in the first moto but lacked a little feeling and rhythm. But after consultations with team boss Jacky Martens in between the two heats he went out hard and fast in the second. He was second at the start behind teammate Alvaro Lozano and made one small mistake. But then Lozano lost the front wheel on a tight corner and crashed. He had to stop and free up his hand from the mud from the crash and Breugelmans was able to slip past for the victory in the heat and the GP of the day.

The 45 championship points bumped up his total to 156 and he trails Beggi, the leader, by just five points.

Teillet ahead in European Championship In what was a good day for KTM and the JM Racing Team, French rider Valentin Teillet was also successful in securing the top podium spot in the European championship. On the hard and stony circuit, he was second at the start of the first heat behind Frenchman Larrieu and the two riders fought a good battle that was won in the last three laps by Teillet. He then missed the start in race two but charged back up through the pack making up 12 seconds to secure second at the finish line. Teillet now leads the championship with 172 points, a clear 24 point lead in front of second placed Larrieu.

Results MX3 Round Four 1. Sven Breugelmans, Belgium, KTM 2. Cyrille Coulon, France, Yamaha 3. Thomas Allier, France, Husqvarna 4. Cristian Beggi, Italy, Honda 5. Christophe Martin, France, Husqvarna 10. Alvaro Lozano, Spain, KTM

Standings 1. Cristian Beggi, Italy, 161 2. Sven Breugelmans, KTM, Belgium 156 3. Jan Zaremba, Czech Republic, 140 4. Patrick Caps, Belgium, 117 5. Alvaro Lozano, KTM, Spain, 101

Agueda - GP of Portugal: What the MX2 riders say after Qualifying

Reds Bull KTM riders Tyla Rattray, Tommy Searle and Rui Goncalves all put in good results in the qualifying races for Sunday's MX2 Grand Prix with Rattray winning race one and Searle second, Goncalves sixth in race two.

Rider Quotes Tyla Rattray:"I am very pumped ahead of tomorrow's race. Today I had a big holeshot, I was out in front and put in some good lap times. This is a good track and it's one that I like. It was very hard at the beginning but after we had ridden on it for a while it was fine. Tomorrow it will be very hot and this will be one of the most difficult aspects. But I am used to such weather from South Africa and it wont worry me so much."

Tommy Searle: "It was good for me today. I was always right behind Cairoli. I did make a couple of small mistakes and I wasn't able to overtake him but I have a good feeling for tomorrow. I like this track very much. Its hard and bumpy but that's no problem and for sure I will have a good day."

Rui Goncalves: "I had a very bad start today and I did a wheelie right at the start. That was my mistake. Tomorrow it will be very hot but I am used to it. Tomorrow I hope to get a much better start and to have a good race in front of my home crowd."

MX2 Qualifying Race One 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 3. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 4. Stephen Sword. Britain, Kawasaki 5. Manuel Monni. Italy, Yamaha 6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM

MX2 Qualifying Race Two 1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 2. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 3. Davide Guarneri, Italy, Yamaha 4. Xavier Boog, France, Suzuki 5. Paulin Gautier, France, Kawasaki 6. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM

Max Nagl struggles with sun in Portugal

Red Bull KTM MX1 factory rider Max Nagl put in a difficult day on the track in Aguela, Spain ahead of the Portuguese MX1 Grand Prix on Sunday, suffering from slight sunstroke from the hot Portuguese sun.

What Nagl said ahead of the Portuguese MX1 GP

"I didn't feel so well today, particularly between free practice and the time practice when I had to take a rest. I think I have been too much in the sun. I made some mistakes today. I don't really like this track so much. It"s hard to get a good grip and the surface is always changing."

MX1 Time Practice 1. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki 2. Billy MacKenzie, Britain, Honda 3. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki 4. Steve Ramon Belgium, Suzuki 5. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda 6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 11. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM 12. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM 14. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM

MX2 Grand Prix of Spain a battle with mud and conditions

Red Bull KTM factory rider Tyla Rattray saved his day with a win in the first moto at Bellpuig Spain on Sunday to hold onto the red number plate as the championship leader on a day where the weather was the overall winner.

Rain fell continually from 3:00 a.m. on Sunday morning and the track was badly cut up to the extent that Rattray described it as more of a battle than a race. With the track still acceptable in the first race, Tyla won the holeshot and stayed out in front to finish with more than a minute lead over second place Antonio Cairoli the current title holder. By the second moto the track was badly cut up with most riders, including Rattray getting stuck in the ruts and the mud. KTM team boss Stefan Everts also said conditions, especially in the second race were unacceptable. "Tyla won the first heat with a big lead and he was in a good position in the second race but then he got stuck in the mud," he said. Tyla finished fifth in to final GP classification adding 29 points to his championship tally.

Searle no fan of wet conditions Tommy Searle is no fan of the wet conditions. He did manage to take the holeshot in the second race but then had a crash and had to go into the pit lane to change goggles and gloves. "Saturday was ok but Sunday was difficult," he said. I just tried to finish the race and to pick up some points. It was no great race today but it's a long championship."

Goncalves saves day with fourth place in race two Rui Goncalves, the third Red bull KTM rider was also without luck on a day where few riders escaped incidents. "The race was a mess," he said. "The first heat was quite good in the beginning but then I got stuck in a rut and stalled the bike. I didn't have a very good start in the second race but I just wanted to survive and manage to finish. My fourth place in race two saved my day.

Rui rides before his home crowd in Portugal in the next GP next weekend and all three Red Bull KTM riders plan to now go to straight to Portugal and get some practice for the event.

Grand Prix Classification 1. Davide Guarneri, Italy, Yamaha 2. Manuel Monni Italy, Yamaha 3. Stephen Sword, Britain, Kawasaki 4. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 5. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 6. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 13. Rui Goncalves, Portugal KTM

World Championship standings 1. Tyla Rattray, KTM, 79 points 2. Antonio Cairoli, 76 3. Davide Guarneri, 61 4. Tommy Searle, 60 5. Rui Goncalves, 51

Nagl survives mud and rough conditions in Bellpuig MX1 GP

Max Nagl of the Red Bull KTM MX1 factory team tackled mud, ruts and pouring rain at the Grand Prix in Spain to salvage two championship points on a day where the conditions were so bad the second race was scrapped.

"Today was not really rideable," the German rider said. Max, who was up with the front runners in Saturday's time practice on the hard packed and still dry Spanish circuit was in the top three at the start of the first race. Then he got into a tangle with David Philippaerts in the first corner and was not able to make up the gap. Like most of the riders he had difficulty with the bad ruts on the track and lost more time going back to pit lane to change goggles and gloves.

Terrible conditions "The conditions were terrible for everyone," said KTM team boss Stefan Everts. Max lost time in the crash on the first corner. He struggled from then on and he lost some more time because he had to change his goggles. If the conditions had been better he could have been in the top five."

Grand Prix Results 1. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 2. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 3. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki 4. Joshua Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha 5. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki 19. Max Nagl Germany, KTM

Standings 1. Ken de Dyker, 70 2. Steve Ramon, 63 3. David Philippaerts, 55 6. Max Nagl, KTM 40

Rattray and Goncalves on podium at Emmen

In another signal about the strength of the KTM MX2 Factory Team, Tyla Rattray and Rui Goncalves occupied first and second place on the podium at the pre-season International Motocross event at Emmen, The Netherlands on Sunday.

Rattray was in a form that drew praise from team boss Stefan Everts who said he was "in a class on his own" while Goncalves underlined that his training on good starts was beginning to pay off. He took the holeshot in both races.

But in the heat of the battle Rattray did have a minor crash in the first race. In pursuit of teammate Rui in the early stages of the race he took a different line then slipped off the foot peg and came unstuck on one of the tabletops. The South African made up for the error by winning the second race to finish overall second for the day. He now plans to prepare for the start of the world championship season proper with some light training, some testing and physical training.

Goncalves, who is in his first year as a factory rider with the Red Bull KTM team started well in the first race but got tangled in the pack of lapped riders and had to settle for second place. He again took the holeshot in the second race but was overtaken by Rattray. He then crashed after choosing the wrong line and finished in third place. "Rui is doing well and he has his confidence back," Everts said later. "We still have a few things to work on but we are going in the right direction."

Results International Motocross Emmen 1. Erik Eggins, 47 points 2. Tyla Rattray, KTM 43 3. Rui Goncalves, KTM 42 4. Xavier Boog, 34 5. Rinus v.d. Ven, 27

Max Nagl second at International Motocross Emmen

Max Nagl, new this season to the Red Bull KTM MX1 Factory Team put in a sold performance at the International Motocross Event in Emmen, The Netherlands on Sunday to finish in second place.

Nagl won the first moto and was second in the second race.

"He took the holeshot and had a lead of some seven seconds, but ran up against the lapped riders and lost his rhythm," said KTM team boss Stefan Everts. Multi-world champion Everts said the German rider was learning a lot in his first year and like team newcomer in the Red Bull KTM MX2 team, Rui Goncalves, he now needed to keep up the pressure and gather mental strength.

MX1 Results 1. Marc de Reuver, Honda 2. Max Nagl, KTM 3. Aigar Leok, Estonia, Yamaha 4. Bas Verhoeven, Kawasaki

2008 ACU British MMX Championship

As part of the new look British MMX Championship a new class will be created for 2008. In place of the long standing and very popular fourstroke series will be a new Open class. The British Open Motocross Championship will cater for all machines from 125cc up to 650cc either two or fourstroke.

This decision has led to a number of other changes taking place, mainly the fact that the sidecar fraternity have made the move to run the majority of the British Sidecarcross Championship outside of the MMX series, with the exception of one round at Frome on Easter Monday. Under the new system the Sidecar Motocross Association is positive about the classes' future and expects to be able to increase the number of championship rounds considerably.

With the sidecar class now not part of the MMX Series registrations for the Open and Under 21 classes will be increased to a maximum of 60. 40 riders will qualify for the main race from timed qualification with the remainder going into a support race. This bold move will hopefully allow the championship to cater for the large number of competitors that are always looking for a registration at the start of the year as well as making the event more financially attractive to organisers. Each organiser will also have the option to fill up the support race with local riders, space permitting.

The British Quadcross Championship will remain as part of the MMX series and will run at most of the events unless there is a date clash with the new European Championships which have increased to nine rounds for 2008. To make up the number of rounds, the quads will have a number of stand alone events including one that will run with the inaugural British Youth Quad Championship.

On the dates when the Quad class is not available it is the intention to include rounds of the British Ladies Motocross Championship that got off to a flying start at Pontrilas his year, it expected that the series will be contested over a minimum of two rounds and will continue as an MX2 class.

The provisional dates for the ACU British MMX Championships are as follows:- These dates and classes may be subject to change . The solo classes will run over 7 rounds with a final decision yet to be made on the March and August dates

2008 MMX Dates 
February 24th Solo and Quad 
March 24th Solo and Sidecar 
April 6th Solo and Quad 
May 18th Solo and Ladies 
June 1st Quad and Youth Quad 
June 29th Solo and Ladies 
July 20th Solo and Quad 
August 31st Solo and Quad 
September 21st Quad 
October 12th Solo and Quad

Preparations for 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship begin already

Whilst the 2007 season will be remembered for a long time to come as one of the best fought championships of the modern era, planning for next year's campaign has already begun. The sound of championship winning champagne corks may still be ringing in our ears, however ACU Events Ltd, the new promoters of the Maxxis ACU British Championship are already working on delivering an even better series in 2008.

With this in mind, they are delighted to announce provisional dates for the eight rounds that will once again take the championship the length and breadth of the British Isles. Widely recognised as the premier domestic off road series in Europe, the 2008 champions will once again be worthy winners having had to fight a six month long battle. As in previous years, the championship avoids clashes with all Grand Prix, to ensure the availability of the World's best riders and teams.

A number of clubs / promoters have been short listed to run the eight events, reinforcing the continued and increased prestige associated with the championship. Once final agreements have been reached with the successful applicants, details of venues will be updated on the official series website www.mxgb.co.uk - These will be added on a round by round basis, so please visit www.mxgb.co.uk regularly to be informed of all the latest championship news, as and when it is released.

2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship - Provisional Dates

Round 1 - Sunday 9th March

Round 2 - Sunday 23rd March

Round 3 - Sunday 13th April

Round 4 - Sunday 4th May

Round 5 - Sunday 22nd June

Round 6 - Sunday 27th July

Round 7 - Sunday 17th August

Round 8 - Sunday 21st September

Much more KTM Orange in MX Paddock for World Championship 2008

KTM, the company that is always "Ready to Race" plans a massive increase in their characteristic orange racing activity for the 2008 MX World Championship season.

As well as a full fledged factory team, the Austrian manufacturer will fully support five other teams in the MX1 and MX 2 class and one active in MX3 and at MX2 European Championship level.

First and foremost, the Red Bull KTM Factory Team for 2008 will be made up of Germany's Max Nagl in the MX1 class, while MX2 stalwarts, Vice World Champion Tommy Searle and South Africa's Tyla Rattray will be joined by Portuguese talent Rui Goncalves. Rattray, who was denied a shot at the title due to a knee injury in the latter part of the season, will be back in full force for 2008 and the team will be further strengthened by Goncalves who put in a string of impressive finishes in the final races of 2007. The KTM Red Bull Factory Team continues in 2008 to be under the expert guidance of 10-times world champion and Motocross legend Stefan Everts.

With the new strategy of supporting five other teams in addition to their own talented factory team, KTM signals a huge commitment to world championship standard MX racing. The move also reinforces the company policy of increasing opportunities for talented young riders to be able to compete at the highest level of competition, according to Pit Beirer, KTM Offroad Racing Director.

"This is an entirely new structure for our MX activities and signals a massive increase in our commitment to the sports of Motocross and our intention to open as many opportunities as possible to promote young talent," Beirer said. The move features a "bottom up" development program that is both forward looking and in keeping with the philosophy of the company, he added.

"Effective immediately KTM will not only be putting all of its energy and resources into its own factory team, but will also be fully supporting five teams in the MX1 and MX2 paddocks, as well as the same level of support for a team engaged in MX3 and MX2 at European championship level," he said. "This is a win-win situation. Young riders will have the benefit of support as they strive to achieve their ambitions at the top of the world championship and KTM will benefit from having much more presence in the paddock and of course from energetic new and very values partnerships with the supported teams." For the selection of the teams, Beirer has worked in close cooperation with KTM's motor sports representatives in individual European countries.

Jonathan Barragan, the outstanding Spanish MX1 rider from the 2007 KTM Red Bull MX1 Factory Team retains his full status and all th e benefit and support of being a full factory rider but now joins the Italian-based Team Silver Action. Barragan will not only add valuable experience to the team; but he will also be able to play a mentor role for the other two riders: Angelo Pellegrini and Jeremy Tarroux, both competing in MX2. Germany's Team Sarholz Racing also benefits from the talent of Marcus Schiffer who finished ninth overall in the 2007 MX2 season. Schiffer, who also has factory rider status, moves up to MX1 and is joined in that category by the second rider for Team Sarholz, Kornel Nemeth. Team KTM UK is a brand new entry into the world championship and an example of KTM's desire to create new opportunities for talented young riders. James Noble will ride in MX1 and Shaun Simpson and Martin Barr will contest the MX2 class. Team HDI France will field two riders for the 2008 season both in MX2. They are Anthony Boissiere and Julien Vanni. Meanwhile the GP Juniors Tea m Champ is a real signal of KTM's intention to keep close tabs in the next generation with juniors Jeremy van Horebeek and Joel Roelants both testing themselves against the world's best in the MX2 category.

Meanwhile the established Belgian team of JM Racing is fully KTM supported for the 2008 season with two talented and experienced MX3 riders. Sven Breugelmans goes into the season as Vice World champion in MX3 while Spanish rider Alvaro Lozano was fifth in the season's standings. Valentin Teillet will ride for Team JM Racing in the European Championship MX2 with a second rider, yet to be named.

This massive commitment by KTM to the sport of Motocross is a signal of the company's ongoing commitment to top-level motor sports, its dedication to producing "Ready to Race" sports machines of the highest calibre and in the development of riding talent far beyond its own national borders.

Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship 2007 - Rnd 8 Pontrilas - Saturday 15th September

MacKenzie and Brown are crowned 2007 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Champions

Europe's premier off road series saw a dramatic close to its 2007 campaign with an action packed final round at Howton Court, Pontrilas. After yet another top level day of racing Scotland's Billy MacKenzie - De Groot Kawasaki and American rider Mike Brown - CAS Honda emerged as worthy champions of the MX1 and MX2 classes respectively.

Both riders arrived at the hillside circuit on the English / Welsh border with a slim advantage over their nearest rivals, and two potentially championship wrecking motos ahead of them. Whilst Brown slightly increased his lead over Tommy Searle - KTM UK with a better first race result than his younger challenger, the experienced American had to wait to the final to clinch a well deserved British domestic title.

MacKenzie on the other hand saw De Dycker close within six points of him after he followed the 2006 champion home in the first moto, before the Scot responded brilliantly with a solid showing in the second and decisive race to claim the crown in this his first season in the MX1 category. With the eventual champions pre occupied with their main task, guest rider Tanel Leok - De Groot Kawasaki and Jason Dougan - Forkrent Suzuki seized the opportunity to take the overall honours on the day.

Leok played his part in the MX1 show down, as he battled hard with De Dycker in the first race and prevented the Belgian from taking a maximum points haul that would have put further pressure on MacKenzie. With the championship safe, Leok passed his Scottish team-mate in the second MX1 encounter to produce an impressive 1-1 performance. It was a similar story in the M2 class, with Dougan taking full advantage of his rivals nerves with a great opening race win, and a mature runners up spot in the second moto to claim the top step of the podium on the day.

Although Brown failed to show in the MX1 battle, despite his entry in the class in what looked liked a veiled attempt to help De Dycker, there was still plenty of action behind the leading trio. Just one point separated Brad Anderson - Pioneer Yamaha and James Noble - Multitek Honda prior to Pontrilas and when Noble edged out Anderson in the first moto, it meant third place in the series would go down to the wire. The final fight between Brad and James was not pretty, but gave the large crowd plenty to cheer about, with Noble taking the number three plate come the finish.

Graeme Irwin - KTM became the first winner of the MXY2 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship, which was introduced to the series for the first time this year. Irwin produced a better last round showing to steal the title away from Lewis King - Team Green Kawasaki who led by two points going into the final day.

With the 2007 championship being declared a massive success from all quarters, preparations to deliver an even better series in 2008 are already underway. Full championship information can be found at www.mxgb.co.uk

MX1 Moto One: 1: Leok 2: De Dycker 3: MacKenzie 4: Noble 5: Anderson MX1 Moto Two: 1: Leok 2: MacKenzie 3: Noble 4: De Dycker 5: Anderson MX1 Overall: 1: Leok 60 2: MacKenzie 52 3: De Dycker 50 Championship - Final standings: 1: Mackenzie 394 2: De Dycker 384 3: Noble 339

MX2 Moto One: 1: Dougan 2: Brown 3: Searle 4: Hamblin 5: Simpson MX2 Moto Two: 1: Searle 2: Dougan 3: Swanepoel 4: Hamblin 5: Brown MX2 Overall: 1: Dougan 57 2: Searle 55 3: Brown 48 Championship - Final standings: 1: Brown 376 2: Searle 371 3: Swanepoel 343

Fork-Rent Suzuki’s 2007 motocross season finally came to an end at the final round of the Maxxis British Motocross championship in Pontrilas, Hereford.

If a team could have a final round dream ending this would have been it – not only did Jason Dougan take his 250F Suzuki to his first overall victory of the season but Natalie Kane also walked away with the British Women’s crown as well – all in all a superb weekend for Fork-Rent Suzuki.

Jason has been knocking on the door for a victory for most of the season but it took the final round at Pontrilas to cement his place as one the UK’s finest talents.

After taking pole in timed qualifying Jason knew he had to take his chance today and he did just that with a barn storming first moto win.

Moto one was actually red flagged due to one of the gates failing to drop, so all the riders had to re-gather their thoughts and start again. Jason didn’t have the best of starts but was ripping it up in know time at all and found himself chasing down and passing British champion Mike Brown to cross the line in first place.

In race two it was slightly different but just as compelling, after battling with Tommy Searle for a good percentage of the race, Jason just couldn’t find a way past one of the hottest prospects on the planet, but second place was good enough to seal the overall victory.

Jason Dougan

“After taking the overall I feel pretty good, it’s brilliant to end the season on such a high, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I’m now taking break to the USA to cheer on the British team at the MXDN and then when I’m back I’m straight into hard winter training.”

Natalie Kane also walked away with the British Women’s championship on Sunday with three emphatic wins. Young Natalie showed why she is a future star in the making with this dominant display of riding. After her two second place finishes at the recent Lierop Women’s World championship this truly shows that Fork-Rent Suzuki has yet another star on their hands.

Team Manager - Mark Chamberlain

“The whole year has been good with positive steps forward at crucial times,

Jake’s injury was a set back and real bad luck at that time of the season as he was just beginning to show good form. It has been a solid year for the team, Jason is finding the form now that show’s he’s world class and hopefully this follows on right the way through 2008.

I would like to thank all the team sponsors who have supported the team through 2007, the fans and supporters who have wished us well at every event, Jason and Jake for all their hard work and effort and all the team associated with Fork-Rent Suzuki – MANY THANKS

Podium for Searle; second overall in MX 2 Championships 

Talented British teenager tackled the unfamiliar sandy course in Lierop, Netherlands to come home third in the season's final Grand Prix to finish second overall in the 2007 MX2 World Championship.

The performance of the teenager lifted the spirits of the KTM Red Bull Racing Team and rounded off the MX2 season satisfactorily. Although unaccustomed to riding on sand, Searle took the holeshot in the first race but was unable to sustain his rhythm and finished fourth. He was up with the top three for most of the second race but lost time in a light crash and was eventually seventh across the line. His combined score was still enough for him to take another podium at the close of the season.

Tommy said he planned to train hard on sand in preparation for next season because he wanted to be consistently good on all surfaces. Certainly an emerging talent in the 2007 season, he should be able to challenge the dominance of the top MX2 riders in the coming season, according to team boss Stefan Everts. "Tommy has matured this season. He won a Grand Prix and that was good for his confidence. Next year we expect him to be able to challenge (Antonio) Cairoli and to win a lot more GPs."

The 18-year old was left to carry the flag for the Austrian manufacturer after teammate Tyla Rattray had to forego the final races f the season in lieu of reconstructive knee surgery. Tyla is well on the road to recovery and will return to be a major player for the KTM Red Bull Racing Team in the quest for the MX2 title next season. Despite missing the final four GPs, the South African rider still accrued enough points to finish fourth overall for 2007. Between them, Rattray and Searle stood on the podium 26 times in the season, a result that was also praised by KTM Offroad Director Pit Beirer.

"Today is the end of a new era for the team and we have created a very solid basis to go on to bigger success in 2008. Having such an experienced person like Stefan Everts in charge of the team was very special. He was highly professional and a very good leader," Beirer said. "The success we have enjoyed is the result of the consolidated work of the entire team and I want to thank them for that."

Results 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Gareth Swanepoel, South Africa, Kawasaki 3. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 4. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 5. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 2008 Season's Standings 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 660 points 2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 510 3. Christophe Pourcel, France, 436 4. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 371 5. Gareth Swanepoel, South Africa, Kawasaki, 364

Philippaerts and Barragan go out on a low note at MX1 season's close 

The MX World Championships season drew to a close on Sunday at the traditional sandy track of Lierop in the Netherlands with both KTM Red Bull MX1 riders being absent from the podium after coming unstuck on the track.

For Spain's Jonathan Barragan and Italian David Philippaerts it was a disappointing end to the season where together they had added another 13 podiums to the team's tally of successes. Philippaerts, after a crash, only managed to finish eighth in the first heat and then failed to get away well in the second. Another crash in the first lap of race two forced his retirement with a twisted knee, thus ending his 2007. Adding just 13 points on Sunday to his championship title, David rounded off the season with 419 championship points in sixth place on the standings table.

Barragan was also unlucky on the final day of racing. He was not well following a crash in training on Saturday and withdrew from Sunday's first race to check in at the medical facility. He was taken to hospital for x-rays and diagnosed with a strong concussion. He now returns home to Madrid where he will have another medical checkup and a scan on Monday.

KTM's factory rider Max Nagl of Germany made a return to racing in Lierop and finished a creditable ninth overall on Sunday. Nagl has missed the last seven GPs because of a shoulder injury but is expected to play a dominant role in the team's MX1 success in the 2008 season.

"We had hoped to fight for top three places in both MX1 and MX2 this season," said KTM's Offroad Director Pit Beirer. "But we have had some bad luck in recent weeks." Beirer also praised the efforts of the MX2 duo Tommy Searle and Tyla Rattray for their second and fourth places in their season's standings and said overall the two teams, now under the guidance of Stefan Everts, had created a solid basis for success in 2008. Results 1. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki 2. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Yamaha 3. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Honda 5. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, Kawasaki 7. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM 14. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM 31. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM

Magic MX2 winning weekend for Tommy Searle in Donington

Tommy Searle, the 18-year-old Briton for the KTM Red Bull MX2 Racing Team made his dream come true on Sunday just a few kilometers from his home town when he clinched his maiden GP victory at Donington Park.

On a day when clear blue skies heralded a fine day for competition at the famous British racing circuit, Searle, who was second in the first moto, made sure of victory in the second for overall top podium place. He went through the checkered flag almost eight seconds ahead of second placed Jeremy Tarroux and clocked his fastest lap in lap 15 of the 18-lap race.

The victory vaults Tommy into second place in the season's standings behind Antonio Cairoli who already took the title last weekend in Moneyglass, Northern Ireland. With just one Grand Prix to go in the Netherlands and several of Searle's toughest rivals, including his teammate Tyla Rattray, out with injuries, he now looks certain to finish in second place at the close of the season.

"It was a perfect day for me. I was not so worried after coming second in the first moto because I put all my efforts into the second heat. "I was struggling today with the lines but I tried to do my best," Searle said. "It was great to win here in Donington in front of my family and friends and it gave me an opportunity to give something back to my fans and all the people who have supported me."

Team boss Stefan Everts was also delighted with the win of his youngest charge. "I am very happy for Tommy," he said. "I know the feeling of winning before your home crowd. This has been a very important win today and it will give Tommy a lot of confidence, but it is also good for the whole team who all worked hard to make it possible."

KTM supported rider Jeremy Tarroux was second on the day, adding some more pleasure to the team of the Austrian manufacturer. It was the first career podium for the French rider who was third in the first moto and second in the second heat. "I tried to stick with Tommy in the second heat and at one point I even thought I might be able to pass him, but them he pulled away from me," Tarroux said, also thanking his team and KTM for their support.

In what was the best day of his career so far, Searle was also named as the MX2 rider for the British team to compete in the Motocross of Nations.

It was the first time MX Grand Prix races had been held at Donington Park, at the very heartland of British motor sports. When asked what he planned for Donington next year, Tommy replied: "I want to win both motos - and the championship!"

Results 1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 2. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 3. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 4. Matteo Bonini, Italy, Yamaha 5. Dennis Verbriggen, Belgium, Yamaha

FIM MOTOCROSS MX1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE MXV 4.5 ON THE TRACK AT DONINGTON PARK

Donington Park, the temple of the FIM MotoGp World Championships, hosted the penultimate race of the season on a provisionary circuit carved out along the inside of the track. It was a fast and very technical course with double and triple jumps where Chicco Chiodi earned points in Race 2 thanks to his 18th place finish (after finishing 22nd in Race 1). Cedric Melotte closed out in 25th and 26th in the respective heats. The growth and development of the official MXV 4.5s continues after they again confirmed themselves to be extremely trustworthy.

The penultimate showcase of the FIM Motocross MX1 World Championships, the Great Britain Gp, was held in Donington Park on this the last weekend of August. The temple of the FIM MotoGp Championships hosted another international engagement (this time for the inlayed wheels) on the provisionary circuit that was carved out along the ups and downs of the British speedway. A fast and spectacular track with many double and triple jumps where Chicco Chiodi (Aprilia MXV 4.5) and teammate Cedric Melotte (Aprilia MXV 4.5) qualified respectively with 25th and 30th-place finishes. In Race 1, Chiodi jumped into 22nd place while Melotte crossed the finish line in 25th. Race 2 went better for the 3-time world champion from Brescia who took off brilliantly in 11th place. He fought hard with the best of the group and once again brought his Aprilia twin into the point zone with an 18th-place finish. The Belgian didn't give up and closed out the race in 26th place, gathering important data for the development of the motorcycle that once again demonstrated itself to be extremely trustworthy. The last round of the FIM Motocross MX1 World Championships will take place on September 2nd on the sands of Lierop, at the Holland Grand Prix.

Donington Park, Great Britain Gp - 14th trial of the Motocross MX1 World Championships Race 1: 1. Kevin Strijbos (Bel/Suz); 2. Antonio Cairoli (Ita/Yamaha); 3. Ken de Dycker (Bel/Honda); 22. Chicco Chiodi (Ita/Aprilia MXV 4.5); 25. Cedric Melotte (Bel/Aprilia MXV 4.5).

Race 2: 1. Antonio Cairoli (Ita/Yamaha); 2. Kevin Strijbos (Bel/Suz); 3. Ken de Dycker (Bel/Honda); 18. Chicco Chiodi (Ita/Aprilia MXV 4.5); 26. Cedric Melotte (Bel/Aprilia MXV 4.5).

MX1 Championships: 1. Ramon (Bel/Suzuki) 466 points; 2. Coppins (Nzl/Yamaha) 452 punti; 3. Strijbos (Bel/Suz) 428; 27. Chicco Chiodi (Ita/Aprilia MXV 4.5) 35; 35. Cedric Melotte (Bel/Aprilia MXV 4.5) 14.

Unlucky day for Philippaerts and Barragan at Donington Park

While the KTM Red Bull Racing Team was able to celebrate in MX2 at Donington, good fortune was not riding with the team's two factory riders David Philippaerts and Jonathan Barragan on Sunday.

Barragan finished eighth in the final standings after struggling to find his rhythm in the day's two races. He also had problems with an injury from last weekend's racing, where he lacerated his hand. The healing process was given a jolt when he crashed on it at Donington Park on Sunday.

"My hand was quite bad today and for some reason I just didn't have a good day. I felt tired and I was just not able to play with my bike the way I would have liked to," the Spanish rider said. In the first heat Barragan did not get away well. He did have a good start in the second, but crashed in the third lap and was not able to close the gap. He finished the day with 23 championship points for his eighth place finish.

Luck was also not with his Italian teammate Philippaerts who finished down the order in the first heat due to some technical difficulties. He put in a valiant attempt in the second heat to keep up with the top riders, again without success. He had not been able to find the right setup for the bike and had to be content with seventh for an overall thirteenth on the day.

Looking forward to the final race of the season next weekend in Lierop, (Netherlands) both Barragan and Philippaerts said it was a difficult circuit, but one they both liked to ride. Barragan said he likes the sandy track and Philippaerts said he wanted to round off the season with KTM with a good result, adding "I am good on sand!"

Results 1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha 2. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki 3. Kevin de Dyker, Belgium, Honda 4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki 5. Mike Brown, USA, Honda 8. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 13. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM

Round Eight of the DEP British Two Stroke championship took place at Blaxhall Pits this weekend.

The action was fast and furious like it has been all year and Blaxhall Pits didn’t disappoint. The circuit was once again superbly prepped by the Woodbridge club and with a few light showers throughout the day the track was perfect for the eighth round of championship.

It was good to see a few new faces register for the event including local rider Aston Bird and schoolboy ace Lewis Tombs both looking to test their speed against the established series racers.

Three groups of 125 class riders were first away in the qualifying sessions.

It was TM rider Jonathan Pettitt who showed all the young guns the way home in qualifying with a blistering lap of 1.51.05, Steve Bixby was another who really wanted to impress in front of his home crowd and set the second fastest time in 1.51.77 with series leader Dave Willet in third ripping home just outside the 1.52 second barrier.

After chaos in the first turn of moto one a number of riders found themselves way back in the pack and playing catch-up. This left the door wide open for Steve Bixby to record a run away win ahead of hard charging Matt Ridegway and youngster Jack Brunel. All the action was happening behind with Dave Willet and Stuart Edmonds both charging through the pack to finally finish within the top six – breathtaking stuff.

Race one set the precedent for the day but Bixby again was leading at the front in moto two but made a crucial error and slid out in the corner which left the door open for Willet to jump into the lead. Brunel tried to catch him but had to settle for second followed very closely by Pettitt.

With everything still to play for the overall result Pettitt dug deep into his reserves and swept to brilliant last race win which secured him the overall lead.

Willet managed to keep hold of his championship position with second and teenage 125 ace Jack Brunel was third.

Steve Bixby was unlucky not to finish higher than fourth on the day as he was like lightening on various sections of the Blaxhall circuit, Stuart Edmonds didn’t quite seem himself but still grabbed fifth and Matt Ridgway who had his best race of the season in moto one finished in sixth.

In the junior 125 class newbie Lewis Tombs showed fine form with two wins from three to take the overall from Adam Reynolds in second and Paul Shires in third.

The top 125 juniors who all qualified for the main expert races were Sean “chunk” Stevens, John Butler, Steve Birkenshaw, Justin Penty, Warren Field, Sam Holloway, Aaron Wakefield, Josh Scott, Sam Abron, Daniel Ward, Anthony Mcgladdery and George Winn, so a special shout out to those guys who pushed the experts all the way.

In the Junior B 125 class Glen Bixby produced a brilliant ride to score a much deserved maximum. The remaining riders in the class who battled it out amongst themselves were Jared Pickford who raced to two second places, Bradley Howlett, Antony Healy, Luke Dowsing and Ady Peedle who all had top three finishes throughout the day.

The racing was tight in class C of the 125’s, Chris Glover took two wins from Ashley Crossley who raced to a moto two victory. Tom Preston and Steve Gesner both shared third place finishes.

With the 125 class setting the standard the 250 boys set out on their timed qualification sessions. Ryan Voase set a superb time with a 1.50.54 lap and gained the first start gate position, Stuart Flockhart wasn’t to far behind with a 1.51.15 and Dave Willet was even closer, just 100th of second behind Disco with 1.51.16 for third.

With the 2007 MXDN only weeks away, team manager Mark Eastwood showed what racing is all about by sweeping to a fine maximum victory. But Mark didn’t have it all his own way as LPE Kawasaki rider Ryan Voase pushed hard in the first half of each moto to keep Easty chasing and gnawing and his rear fender.

Like the majority of races this year by halfway in each race Mark just swept passed and went onto win. Ryan Voase did take a deserved second overall on the day but in moto one seemed to lose concentration which let the chasing Flockhart by and cross the line in second. But the following two races Ryan kept his composure and recorded two fine runners up positions. After setting a great qualifying time Stuart Flockhart looked comfortable on the sandy circuit and kept ahead of Dave Willet for third. Lewis Rose was another rider who looked at home at Blaxhall and this showed by finishing fifth on the day. Andre David one of the most consistent riders in the championship so far this season found himself in sixth overall.

Just like in the 125 class we had a number of juniors who qualified for the expert races. Ricky Lethaby produced the goods this time around and went onto secure a fine victory over high flying Eddy Carr from Bristol, in fact we had three different race winners – Ashley Harland took moto one, Aran Agius moto two and Lethaby moto three which secured his overall for the day. With the final rounds finishing off the championship in September the final 250 junior standings are still to be settled and anyone from Lethaby, Carr and Alex Smith could become champion – this will be one mouth watering weekend of two-stroke racing.

It was great to see some real close racing in the junior B class, Martin Whymark set hearts a pounding with a fine moto one win from Pieres Woddington and Oliver Tibbeham. In moto two you saw Warren Clifton take all the applauses with a top of the podium win, this time followed by Tibbenham in second and Paul Huggins third.

The final race of the day saw yet anther new face on top of the podium in Pieres Woddington, Sam Whymark was second and crowd favourite Tibbenham third which capped a great days racing.

All roads lead to Culham on the weekend of September 1st and 2nd for the final two rounds of the series. Expect some major fun to be had on the weekend as a few guest riders will be making a special appearance and a huge end of year presentation and party is planned.

More information and full championship results can be found at www.2strokebritishchampionship.co.uk 

Philippaerts third in MX 1 Moneyglass Ireland

KTM Red Bull factory rider David Philippaerts put in a solid day's MX1 racing at a brand new track in Northern Ireland for fourth and third in the two motos for overall third at the Grand Prix of Northern Ireland.

But while the Italian rider was on the podium, it was a mixed day for his Spanish teammate Jonathan Barragan who was third in the first moto then had to retire with some technical problems in the second. Barragan's 20 points from the first heat was sufficient to allow him to finish in eleventh overall.

"I did have some small throttle problems in the second heat, Philippaerts said. "But I still managed to do the best I could and I am quite satisfied with the weekend. In fact the bike went very well all weekend and I like this kind of track, even if some of the landings were a little too soft. I am now getting closer to Pourcel and I hope to be able to close the gap," he said. Just 11 points separate Pourcel, still in third place on the standings, and Philippaerts in fourth and with two rounds to go, the Italian is still hopeful of capturing his season podium.

Rain that deluged the area on Friday and reduced practice to a minimum time on Saturday cleared for the race day but many of the riders agreed with Philippaerts that some of the landing areas were too soft.

Barragan said he was disappointed that after a solid finish in the first moto that he was prevented from following it up with a podium on a day when everything seemed to be going his way. "I had a good speed and a good rhythm and after the first heat I was confident that I had a good chance to make a podium today," Barragan added. Team Boss Stefan