KTM Red Bull Racing Team's David Philippaerts made it a double podium for the KTM factory riders this weekend at Nemur, Belgium, when he amassed enough points for second overall on Sunday in the two MX1 races.
But while Philippaerts and team boss Stefan Everts were pleased with the podium, both admitted it was disappointing to miss absolute victory by a single point. Earlier in the day, the team's MX2 rider, Tommy Searle was also second in his GP, but also missed the top of the podium by just two points.
"It was good to have two podiums today, but I am a little disappointed because it could have been two GPs for the team," Everts said after the races. He commended Philippaerts on a good day's riding and was particularly pleased that the Italian rider had taken the holeshot in both heats. Everts, himself a 10-times world champion, has been working closely with the KTM factory riders this season to improve their starting technique.
"The first heat was not so perfect for me and I didn't really feel comfortable with the suspension setup, but we made some adjustments for the second heat and put on some softer tyres and it was much better," David said. He held the lead in heat two except a brief period when he was passed by the Estonian rider Tanel Leok. "I had a good start and rode easy," Philippaerts said. "I wanted to save some energy for the end of the race because this is a tough track. Now I want to try to be on the podium for each of the last three races and make as many championship points as possible by the end of the season."
Jonathan Barragan, Philippaerts Spanish MX1 team-mate was unlucky in the first heat when he made contact with another rider. He crashed and was unable to restart the bike because of some damage sustained in the spill. "The second heat was not so bad for me," Jonathan said, "but I was a little stiff and somehow didn't have a good feeling." Everts also commented that Barragan had struggled to find his rhythm in the second heat. After his DNF in heat one, Barragan picked up 12 championship points in the second heat and finished fifteenth overall.
Philippaerts is now within striking distance of third place in the season's standings just 11 points behind his rival Pourcel. There is a 94 point margin to table leader Joshua Coppins, who did not race in Belgium after he broke a shoulder blade while competing in the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic last weekend. Barragan is in eighth place in the standings with 304 points.
Philippaerts and Barragan will remain in Belgium to continue training and both will ride in the "Stefan Everts and Friends" Charity Race next weekend, the proceeds of which assist children suffering from cancer.
The event at Namur this weekend celebrated its 60th anniversary of the Belgium Grand Prix.
Results 1. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki
2. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM
3. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki
4. Ken de Dycker, Balgium, Honda
5. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki
15. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM
Images - Archer R.
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