An action packed weekend of Motocross racing ended today at Teutschenthal in front of 34,000 spectators. Kiwi Joshua Coppins came back to victory by finishing first in both heats and is now second in the Championship from Yamaha team mate David Philippaerts. Tyla Rattray wrapped up the overall and the red plate in the MX2 class. Home rider Steffi Laier won this penultimate round of the Women’s World Championship from series leader Livia Lancelot and Maria Franke.
With his latest GP win dating back at Bulgaria 2007, Yamaha Monster Motocross’ Joshua Coppins came back to the top step of the podium by winning both heats at a hot Teutschenthal. Poleman Teka Suzuki WMX1’s Ken de Dycker took the second step of the podium ahead of Kawasaki Racing’s Tanel Leok. It was a podium comeback also for the Estonian, who took his latest rostrum finish in Namur 2007. David Philippaerts rode to fourth despite a damaged rib from the crash at the French GP, Philippaerts retained the red plate while Sebastien Pourcel rounded off the top five.
MX1 RACE 1
Nagl took the holeshot but stopped three laps later because of a technical problem. An injured Mackenzie battled it out with Coppins for the lead and eventually dropped down to 15th while Coppins stormed to victory. Boniface crashed into Pourcel who had fallen moments before his French countryman passed by. Ramon was handed the third spot and worked his way up to an eventual second from Philippaerts. De Dycker and Bill rounded off the top five as Tanel Leok settled into sixth after trying to find a way past the Swiss.
MX1 RACE 2
Coppins led the pack into turn one but let Mackenzie and Pourcel by to see them both crash throughout the following five laps. Once the Kiwi was handed the lead he rode strong to secure the overall win while Ramon crashed to finish only 18th. Team mate De Dycker moved past a solid Nagl to secure the second place but he felt the pressure of an incredible Leok towards the final laps. After moving past Nagl for third, Leok chased De Dycker but eventually finished third in front of German Nagl. Pourcel took the fifth place from Philippaerts, who felt more pain in this final heat. Mackenzie was tenth.
MX2
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tyla Rattray was back on form taking victory at Teutschenthal as he topped the podium from archrival Antonio Cairoli of Yamaha Red Bull De Carli. The latter finished level in points with the South African as Tony took victory in moto one while Rattray won moto two. CLS’ Steven Frossard was a surprising third overall at his maiden podium appearance while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s team mates Rui Goncalves, holeshotting both heats, and Tommy Searle rounded off the top five.
MX2 RACE 1
Goncalves led the pack into turn one but Cairoli eventually moved past to pull away and win. Once he got rid of Goncalves, Rattray followed Cairoli to take the second place ahead of a very quick Searle. Starting from 25th on the grid after yesterday’s extremely hard qualifying, Searle worked his way up to third courtesy of incredible overtaking manoeuvres. Frossard was fourth after Searle moved past him and Simpson rounded off the top five ahead of Goncalves.
MX2 RACE 2
Once again Goncalves took the best start to storm first into the opening corner. Leuret was a positive second after the start but eventually finished 17th as this was only his second GP of 2008 because of a shoulder injury after Valkenswaard. Rattray moved up to first and pulled away to win and take the top step of the podium while Cairoli was second. Searle was third when he crashed and handed the position to Goncalves, who finished ahead of Frossard. After an early crash, the Frenchman battled tooth and nail with Simpson to take both the fourth place and the podium. The Brit was passed also by Musquin to finish sixth while Searle was ninth.
In the World Championship Points Standings
Being first and second in the Championship, Yamaha team mates David Philippaerts and Joshua Coppins are leading the standings from the Suzuki factory duo made of Steve Ramon and Ken de Dycker. Seb Pourcel rounds off the top five from Jonathan Barragan and Tanel Leok. In the MX2 class the red plate goes back to Tyla Rattray, now leading from team mate Tommy Searle and Antonio Cairoli. Shaun Simpson and Ruin Goncalves round off the top five with Nicolas Aubin dropping down to sixth.
WHAT’S NEXT
With the season having passed its mid point here at Teutschenthal, the 9th of 15 the round series will take place next weekend at Uddevalla, Sweden. On the other hand the Women’s World Championship will be back to action at Lierop, The Netherlands, on September 7, for the fifth and final round.
