Team Suzuki’s Steve Ramon has taken his first pole position on the RM-Z450 after Time Practice at the Talkessel circuit in Teutschenthal for the Karcher Grand Prix of Germany, round four of the 2006 FIM MX1 World Championship. Sunshine and comfortable temperatures contributed towards a hard and dusty terrain in eastern Germany that significantly levelled the MX1 playing field.
Ramon, who was eighth and third in the free practice sessions, made no alterations to his Suzuki and had a good feeling on the circuit where he recorded a top three moto finish 12 months ago. The Belgian saved his best effort until the last minute of the period and registered the team’s first pole position this season.
Team-mate Kevin Strijbos switched his Pirelli tyre but changed little else on the RM-Z450 to post the fifth fastest lap-time, just over a second away from Ramon.
The jump from the start gate will be all-important tomorrow as a dry layout affords precious few passing opportunities and the riders leading by the end of the first lap will be prime favourites for podium positions.
Steve Ramon:“I am happy with pole position and also because my riding was good all day; right through practice and I was content with a top position in the qualification. I went for one last fast lap and found a new line. I pushed hard and I knew it would be a good time. It is always important to be in the top five so you can choose your start gate on the inside.”
Kevin Strijbos:“Fifth was ok. The track is pretty much one line and I really hope tomorrow that they don’t over-water the circuit because it is hard enough to pass as it is without making one dry line. I made my best time at the end of the qualification and that is a good thing. The start will be vital but I am happy with my speed and the Suzuki is working well.”
MX1 Timed Practice: 1 Steve Ramon, BEL (Suzuki) 1:59.184,
2 Stefan Everts, BEL (Yamaha) 1:59.433,
3 Brian Jorgensen, DEN (Honda) 1:59.744,
4 Tanel Leok, EST (Kawasaki) 1:59.842,
5 Kevin Strijbos, BEL (Suzuki) 2:00.329,
6 Ken de Dycker, BEL (Honda) 2:00.924,
7 Cedric Melotte, BEL (Yamaha) 01.135,
8 Stephen Sword, GBR (Kawasaki) 2:01.336,
9 Julien Bill, SUI (Yamaha) 2:01.424,
10 Jonny Lindhe, SWE (KTM) 2:01.488.
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