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All content © Bob MuIIins | ||
 
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TASTES VICTORY IN MOROCCO Impressive 2016 EnduroGP championship start for Mathias Bellino Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mathias Bellino has made a near perfect start to his 2016 Enduro World Championship campaign at the GP of Morocco in Agadir. Topping both the EnduroGP and Enduro 2 class results on day one the Frenchman battled his way to the end of a challenging second day of competition to place runner-up in both EnduroGP and Enduro 2. Signalling his intentions to fight for the first ever EnduroGP World Championship title, Bellino mastered the dry, rocky and unpredictable conditions on day one in Morocco to claim an eventual 21-second margin of victory. Although not winning a test during the opening lap, once into his stride the reigning Enduro 3 World Champion went on to move clear of his closest challenger before securing overall EnduroGP class victory and with it the top spot in Enduro 2. Despite the worsening conditions on day two Bellino again showed himself as one of the event’s fastest outright riders. Second in the opening two special tests he arrived at the mid-way point of the day in a position to challenge for a second victory. However, several mistakes on the closing enduro test prevented him from repeating his day one win. On day two Bellino also placed as runner-up in the Enduro 2 class. Bellino heads to the second round of the Enduro World Championship as the EnduroGP class leader.
Competing alongside McCanney and in his first Enduro World Championship event, Pascal Rauchenecker battled his way to the end of both days of competition to finish 12th and 11th respectively. Spanish youngster Josep Garcia enjoyed an impressive start to his Enduro Junior championship campaign, finishing as class runner-up on both days. Despite his relative lack of international experience, Garcia completed the championship opening event in style aboard his FE 250. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team now head to Portugal for round two of the 2016 Enduro World Championship on April 15-16.
Danny McCanney: “I always knew this GP was going to be tough because of my off-season knee surgery. But I gave my all and although the first day wasn’t easy for me I felt better on day two. It was hard to get settled on day one, the terrain was so unpredictable and I was a little cautious with my knee. I didn't ride exactly like I wanted to on day two, but it was better. I know it’s going to take a little time to feel fully comfortable again, and I hope that the conditions in Portugal next weekend will allow me to challenge for the podium.” Pascal Rauchenecker: “It’s been a tough GP for me, but I’m pleased to finish both days of racing. The terrain and the rocks was really something very different for me, but I have to learn by racing in these conditions. I had a good feeling with my bike but all of the special tests were so unpredictable that finding a good rhythm wasn’t easy. As my first enduro world championship race I now know what to expect, so I can start to understand the best ways to attack the special tests. I’m looking forward to Portugal.” Josep Garcia: “To finish second on both days in my first race in the Enduro Junior class is really pleasing. But I was so close to winning that in some ways I’m a little disappointed. But I know that I can fight for the top position. So for that reason it’s been a very positive GP. I have a great feeling with my bike, even if it’s my first season on a 250f. Now I know what areas I have to work on and improve. But in Portugal I want to fight for the win.” Results – 2016 FIM Enduro World Championship, Round 1 Day 1
Enduro 1 Enduro 2 Enduro Junior Day 2 EnduroGP Enduro 1 Enduro 2 Enduro Junior
EnduroGP Enduro 1 Enduro 2 Enduro Junior
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In
the Enduro 1 class Danny McCanney claimed Husqvarna’s best result, despite
the event being his first since undergoing knee surgery during the winter.
Finishing sixth on day one Danny improved one position on day two to fifth,
showing his true potential by winning one of the day’s extreme tests.
Danny placed less than three seconds from fourth position.
Mathias
Bellino: “This is a great start to the new championship for me and
Husqvarna. Obviously, day one was a really important result. To start the
year with the overall win showed that we made a really good job during the
months before this race. I felt really good on the first day. The special
tests were difficult, but I had a great felling and it showed in my result.
I was able to push hard and it was great to win, to show that I am ready to
challenge for the EnduroGP title. On day two I was behind Matt Phillips and
battling for the win again. I lost everything in the last enduro test with a
few mistakes. But I still finished second outright so I’m happy with that.
There are a lot of races ahead of us but this is a great start.”
EnduroGP
Championship
Standings (After Round One)
