Press Release:Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team's Shaun Simpson shrugged off the problems of a shoulder injury to finish third in the MX2 qualifying for the inaugural Grand Prix of Turkey and set himself up for a positive race on the new circuit on Sunday.
Simpson crashed on Wednesday and hurt his shoulder and has been having treatment to get him in shape for the weekend's racing on the circuit close to the historic city of Istanbul. "I didn't know if I would be able to race but I went out in the first training and I really liked the track. It was technical, just how I like it and it was well ripped up and watered. Then in the second practice it was windy and the track had dried out a bit and it was harder on my shoulder so I wasn't sure how it would be in qualifying. I was right back at the gate but I had a good start and got up to fifth and then to third. I found my rhythm and managed to finish third so I am quite optimistic for tomorrow."
Factory teammate Rui Goncalves (Portugal) was also optimistic despite some minor technical problems that resulted in a DNF on Saturday. "I had a decent start and I was up to fourth for most of the race, then almost at the end I had a small technical problem and couldn't finish. But tomorrow's another day and I'll be ready to go on this new track," Rui said. "The track's well prepared, its rough and its technical," he said. "I'll have to start from the outside but it's still possible to have a good result."
KTM MX1 factory riders positive about Istanbul circuitKTM's MX1 factory riders Max Nagl and Jonathan Barragan tested themselves on the brand new circuit in Istanbul with Nagl giving the circuit the thumbs up for Sunday's Grand Prix of Turkey.
The German rider was comfortable with his eighth place in qualifying and is looking forward to tomorrow's race on the technical circuit just 40 minutes from the centre of Istanbul.
"This is a very different track to the one we raced on last weekend in Bulgaria. It's slower and much more technical," said Nagl of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. I had quite a good start in the qualifying race but I was a bit too late on the brakes going into the corner and a few guys went past me. What I hope for tomorrow is a good start, to stay out in front and hopefully I can end the day with a podium." Nagl, who has been bothered by a hand injury that made it difficult for him last week in Bulgaria said is would be easier to ride on the track here in Istanbul.
KTM factory rider Jonathan Barragan of Team Silver Action was eleventh and will also be looking for a strong race on Sunday. "I did not have such a good start and it's not easy to pass in this circuit but my speed is okay and tomorrow I am hoping to have a good start and to be able to get out in front for a good race." Barragan was second in the GP of Bulgaria last weekend. KTM Offroad Director Pit Beirer was also positive and looking forward to the first race in Istanbul. "This is a very nice new track and we will be ready for tomorrow," he said of the KTM factory team.
Riders raced in clear sunshine but somewhat chilly conditions and organizers said they expected a big crowd for the inaugural Grand Prix of Istanbul.
