Team Teka Suzuki WMX1's new boy Ken De Dycker took pole position during qualification for round one of the FIM MX1 world championship at Valkenswaard, Holland on his aluminium framed, Electronically Fuel Injected Suzuki RM-Z450 in deep and difficult conditions.
After holding pole position early in the session De Dycker's time was bettered by another rider so the 23-year-old Belgian returned to the track to ensure he took the fastest time of the session.
"I had a good lap in the beginning of the session but then a few riders went a little quicker than me so I had to go out again," said De Dycker. "It was maybe not until the last lap that I took pole because I crashed and made some small rider errors. It was a tough session, the track was difficult today and it was easy to make mistakes so I'm very pleased to be fastest.
"Now that I'll have first pick of the gate that will be a big help because the start will be very important here. I hope the weather will be good because the track is not so much fun like this. If I can do two 40-minute motos at full speed and without any problems then the result will be there I think."
Reigning MX1 world champion Steve Ramon qualified fifth fastest on his RM-Z 450 and remains confident of a good result going into tomorrow's points paying races.
"I took fifth time which is good for the start gate tomorrow," said Ramon. "The track is difficult and there are many long deep ruts on the face of the jumps. These caused me to crash on the finish line jump when my front wheel took one rut and my rear wheel took another.
"The start will be very important tomorrow because there were nearly five guys who were very close on times during qualification today. I'm feeling confident, my riding is going good at the moment and I hope to win or at least be on the podium."
MX1 Timed Practice
- Ken De Dycker (Suzuki - BEL) 2:06:21
- Marc De Reuver (Honda - NED) 2:06:555
- David Philippaerts (Yamaha - ITA) 2:06:727
- Billy MacKenzie (Honda - GBR) 2:06:981
- Steve Ramon (Suzuki - BEL) 2:07:827
- Manuel Priem (Kawasaki - BEL) 2:08:561
- Max Nagl (KTM - GER) 2:08:696
- Josh Coppins (Yamaha - NZL) 2:09:272
- Kevin Strijbos (Kawasaki - BEL) 2:09:578
- Jonathan Barragan (KTM - ESP) 2:09:581
