Team Suzuki's Steve Ramon placed the works RM-Z450 second on the start line for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria and the eighth round of 15 in the FIM 2007 World Championship.
The formidable Sevlievo circuit was a fast and daunting prospect with lap-time touching two minutes. Searing heat and sunshine during practice in central Bulgaria was replaced by dark clouds and thunderstorms for the Timed Practice period. The wide and pacey track, with numerous step-downs and plenty of jumps to attack, offered varying levels of grip but provided several lines. The dirt was trickier to negotiate after a coating of rain in the afternoon
Ramon, riding confidently after securing his first chequered flag on the RM-Z450 in France last week, was fourth and 11th in the two 40 minutes free practice periods. He altered very little on his machine, just trying a different sprocket, and felt at home on the surface immediately.
"Right from the beginning I was happy on the track and my riding was going good," he said. "When it was raining it got a bit slippery. Timed Practice was not so easy but I made my fastest lap with my last attempt. I was in the top five but I wanted to be nearer the front. I have some good lines so I hope for a decent race tomorrow."
Kevin Strijbos stayed away from the Grand Prix to rest his troublesome knee. Further high temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions are predicted for tomorrow's Grand Prix motos.
MX1 Timed Practice: 1. Sebastien Pourcel (FRA, Kawasaki), 1:51.559
2. Steve Ramon (BEL, Suzuki), +0:00.442
3. Joshua Coppins (NZL, Yamaha), +0:00.727
4. Jonathan Barragan (ESP, KTM), +0:00.734
5. Mike Brown (USA, Honda), +0:01.179
6. Tanel Leok (EST, Kawasaki), +0:01.204
7. David Philippaerts (ITA, KTM), +0:01.273
8. Julien Bill (SUI, Honda), +0:01.570
9. Marc de Reuver (NED, Yamaha), +0:01.834
10. Billy Mackenzie (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:02.053
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