Red Bull KTM factory rider Max Nagl of Germany was on top form in the second race of the MX1 Grand Prix of Italy in Mantova on Sunday to be first past the checkered flag ahead of David Philippaerts and Marc de Reuver.
On a day where rain attacked the track in the second half of the MX1 competition, Nagl put in one of his most impressive performances for the current season for overall fifth place on the day. It was a significant improvement on his twelfth ranking in the first race and the first time since joining the MX1 class that he had lead the rest of the field home.
"I got the holeshot in the first heat but I was a bit late in the break so I got passed in the first corner. Then I was tucked in behind Ramon and I couldn't see the line and I crashed. Then I had to work my way back from the back of the pack and I couldn't manage better than twelfth," Nagl said. He again took the holeshot in the second heat and although he was passed by Josh Coppins in the early stage be managed to retake the lead, got out in front and stayed there. Clearly satisfied with his ride in the second heat, Nagl said that the track had got very rough and cut up due to the rain that fell, particularly at the start of the second MX2 race.
KTM team boss Stefan Everts has declared 2008 a learning and experience season for Nagl, who is riding for the Red Bull KTM factory team for the first time in 2008.
Overall GP Results:1. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Honda
2. Sebastien Pourcel, France, Kawasaki
3. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha
4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki
5. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM
Other KTM: 10. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM
13. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM
16. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM
Standings: 1. David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 187 points
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 159
3. Josh Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 149
4. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Suzuki, 135
5. Billy Mackenzie, Britain, Honda, 130
Other KTM: 8. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 114
9. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 105
11. Kornel Nemeth, Hungary, KTM, 74
15. Marcus Schiffer, Germany, KTM, 59
Images by Archer R.
