KTM factory rider Bernd Hiemer shared the glory and the points in the S1Grand Prix of Europe on Sunday but had to settle for second place after rival Thierry van den Bosch stole victory in the second moto in the closing stages.
The German racer won the first moto virtually from start to finish and looked set to take the second. Repeating his very good start in race one, Bernd led the way through nine of the twelve laps in heat two and with a two-second lead looked set to take the coveted red number plate as championship leader. But van den Bosch made his move in the ninth lap when the track was slippery and covered in mud from the earlier rain, conditions that Bernd said made it impossible to hold onto the front slot.
Hiemer confident after four races
"We started in the rain and that was ok, but when it had almost stopped there was a lot of mud on the track and it go incredibly slippery. We had a perfect setup for the rain but when it got so slippery, I had to ease back and had no chance to go on and win the race," Bernd said. "I had some slight problems with my shoulder from a crash in training a couple of weeks ago but I took some pain killers and it didn't really bother me during the race. We've made some slight changes with the bike but nothing major and the team is working great together. I think we're all set for an attack on the title!"
Equal points
The final result for the race held in Italy's Castelletto di Branduzzo Motodromo was a first and second for Hiemer and a second and first for the Belgian leader, who although each now has 94 championship points, retains the red number plate and the lead in the standings on the basis of his second race result.Being out in front was the preferred rider position on a wet day and muddy conditions on the circuit that was revamped in the winter to offer riders a more flowing and fast circuit. Despite blustery conditions and rain, the GP was well attended by enthusiastic Italian fans.
Results GP overall:
1. Thierry van den Bosch, France, Aprilia
2. Bernd Hiemer, Germany, KTM
3. Matthew Winstanley, Britain, KTM
4. Boris Chambon, France, TM
5. Christian Ravaglia, Italy, Yamaha
Championship Standings:
1. Thierry van den Bosch, 94 points
2. Bernd Hiemer, Germany, KTM, 94
3. Matthew Winstanley, Britain, KTM, 76
4. Thomas Chareyre, France, Husqvarna, 63
5. Boris Chambon, France, TM, 57
Images by Batini P.
