Team Suzuki riders Kevin Strijbos and Steve Ramon have qualified fourth and sixth fastest on their RM-Z450s respectively at a blowy and cloudy Talkessel circuit in Teutschenthal for the Grand Prix of Germany and the fifth round of the MX1 World Championship. Both Belgians had to adapt to a reduced schedule today after strong winds on Friday caused havoc across the open circuit near Halle and prevented the track set-up from being finished. Saturday's timetable was cut that evening and meant just one free session and the 30 minute Timed Practice for the MX1 riders to learn a course that boasted a new loop section and a fresh terrain with sand mixed in the soil to soften the dirt.
Although the weather conditions were less blustery on Saturday, a strong breeze still meant that sunny spells were short, and dark clouds soon travelled over bringing rain.
Kevin Strijbos took his time to find the fastest lines around Talkessel and also made some alterations to his front fork, opting for a softer spring. "It was difficult with just having one practice session and we struggled with the fork," he confessed "but we changed it before the Timed Practice and it was much better. I did not push too hard and the times came. The track was slippery in places."
Steve Ramon benefited from some adjustments to the engine configuration and suspension to better aid his smooth riding style. "Things went ok today, the track was good and we only had one practice but I felt quick right away," he said. The 27 year old held the top spot for long stretches of what was an initially wet session and had his final attempt for his first pole denied in the last minute. "It started to rain during Timed Practice and it was slippery but I made a good lap at the beginning," he added. "It dried a bit towards the end and I saw a lot of the guys going out to try again. I almost had another decent lap but Melotte was cruising and blocked the line; that was a bit frustrating. Pole position was possible today but sixth is ok and I hope for some good starts finally tomorrow."
Further indifferent conditions are predicted for race day.
MX1 Timed Practice: 1. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), 2:04.974;
2. Marc de Reuver (NED, Yamaha), +0:00.004;
3. Ken de Dycker (BEL, Honda), +0:00.250;
4. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:00.894;
5. Sebastien Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:00.910;
6. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:00.986;
7. Tanel Leok (EST, Kawasaki), +0:00.991;
8. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, KTM), +0:01.103;
9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:01.358;
10. David Philippaerts (ITA, KTM), +0:01.624.
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