KTM Team Silver Action rider Jonathan Barragan looked certain to take victory in the second moto and seal his MX1 Grand Pix win in Sevlievo, Bulgaria on Sunday when a mistake in the last stretch of race two denied him the overall victory.
On a day where rain fell before the second race to create a whole different set of conditions on the normally hard packed track, the Spanish KTM rider did go on to be second overall to rescue a podium place and pick up more valuable championship points.
"I am very sad, "the Spanish rider said. "I made a mistake in the last lap and lost my position. Without this I know I would have won today. I was very fast this weekend and I know I can win races. Now I will concentrate on a good result next weekend in Mantova, where I had a good result in the pre-season Starcross event. I'm going to do my best to get back in the championship and to finish every race with as many points as I can."
It was also a disappointing day for Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl of Germany. Despite snatching the holeshot in both heats of the MX1, Sunday was not his lucky day. Max went into the race hoping for a top five position but a mistake in heat one cost him his chances then in the second heat his boot got wedged in between the frame and the rear brake and he lost valuable time trying to free it. Overall he finished in eighth position in the GP. Max also goes to Mantova next weekend optimistic about riding on a circuit that he likes and where he has enjoyed good results in the past.
MX 1 Grand Prix Results:
1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha
2. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM
3. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki
4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki
5. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda
8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM
Championship Standings :
1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 149 points
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 132
3. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 115
4. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, 100
5. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, 98
Other KTM:
6. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 94
8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 80
12. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM, 62
15. Markus Schiffer, Germany, KTM, 40
19. James Noble, Britain, KTM 23
Image Credit: Archer R.
