KTM Red Bull Racing Team's David Philippaerts performed well in MX1 at the Grand Prix of France on Sunday, registering a 2-5 result in the two heats for a confidence building overall third place for the Italian rider.
The result also places Philippaerts in third place in the season's world championship standings, a significant improvement on earlier performances.
Team-mate Jonathan Barragan, still nursing a shoulder injury from a crash in Japan came in at sixth place and is also sixth in the standings.
Riders were faced with extremely hot conditions for the race, which took its toll on available energy racing in Saint-jean d'Angely in the South of France.
"I am very happy with the first heat but not quite so content with the second when I lost contact with the front runners and couldn't manage more than fifth," Philippaerts said. The Italian nevertheless has a soft spot for this venue where he won his first ever Grand Prix in MX2 in 2005. "I like this track a lot but this is my first year in MX1 and it is a very different matter than riding in MX2," Philippaerts concluded.
Barragan said he was still feeling the effects of his shoulder injury after the crash in Japan, which in fact re-enflamed the bang he had given the shoulder at the beginning of the season. "Today I didn't seem to find my rhythm in both heats," the Spaniard said. "I am still quite nervous about my shoulder injury and it was very hot and uncomfortable riding with a protective brace. For sure I am only feeling at 80% but I hope that by next week I will be back at 100%.
Both Philippaerts and Barragan are looking forward to the next GP in Bulgaria, a track they both like. "It was in Bulgaria that started my winning cycle last season," Philippaerts said. "I hope it's the same for me this year."
It was an unlucky weekend for the third KTM factory rider, Max Nagl. The German was ninth in the first heat but then crashed in the second. X-Rays reveled he had re-broken his collarbone, fractured earlier in the season.
Team boss Stefan Everts also expressed satisfaction with Philippaerts result. "David is doing well now. Even though he did not have a good start in the second race, he is always improving and is riding in a clever way. Our goal was to make podiums with MX1 and today's result was positive for us."
Race Results:
1. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki
3. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM
4. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, Kawasaki
5. Tanel Leok, Estonia, Kawasaki
6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM
14. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM
Photos: Archer R.
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