In what is now effectively a two-man KTM race for the MX2 world championship title, Tommy Searle came out on top in the GP at Nelspruit, South Africa while local hero Tyla Rattray placed second.
The two KTM riders performed well and Tyla was treated to a great show fo support from local South African fans.
Great team result
Tommy put in a superb and victorious first race but Tyla crashed and had to attack from the back for his third place. The second race then became the full focus of Red Bull KTM Factory Team's local boy and he made few mistakes. The banners read "Go Go Rattray" and he did. Like Searle in race one, Rattray immediately took control of the race right from the start and amassed enough of a lead to be able to cruise home in the final lap, waving to the crowd. He crossed the line, punching the air with his fist to the joyous cheers of his South African compatriots and a sea of national flags.
Searle rides two superb races
Searle rode two great races and garnered praise from team boss Stefan Everts who said he "was very consistent and showed character". "I had a pretty good feeling this weekend," the British teenager said. "I'm very satisfied with the results of the GP today. I had a good start in the first race but I took the first corner too wide. Even so I managed to win by 11 seconds. I didn't have such a good start in the second heat and I didn't really get the same rhythm as in the first but the result was important for the championship. It's a nice track, full of jumps and I enjoyed it."
Rattray retains red number plate
While Tyla was denied the overall victory by just a couple of points, he does retain the coveted red number plate as the championship leader, some compensation for standing on the second step on the podium. "It was not so bad today," Tyla said. I had quite a good start in the first heat but I made a mistake and crashed. I could have done better in that one. But then I took the holeshot in the second and I led throughout the race." Tyla also paid tribute to his fans and the support they gave him.
Goncalves disappointed in day's performance
Rui Goncalves, the third factory rider in the Red Bull KTM team was luckless in South Africa. He said he felt sorry that he had put in a disappointing performance. "I cannot find an excuse for my bad day and that I wasn't able to do better today. I will go to Lommel and do everything to give my best." Goncalves, who has been suffering from flu, finished in 14th place.
Title race now between two KTM heroes
Searle and Rattray went into the GP as two of three riders vying for the title and came out in the knowledge that it was probably going to be decided between the two Red Bull KTM team members. Arch rival Antonio Cairoli, the 2007 title holder had to retire from both races after a knee injury and it now remains to be seen if he will be able to start in the next GP in Belgium's Lommel. Everts extended his sympathy to Cairoli and wishes him a good recovery and a return to racing. "Its tough but we know from our own experience that these tings happen in racing," he said.
MX2 GP Overall results
1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM
2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM
3. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha
4. Steven Frossard, France, Kawasaki
5. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM
Other KTM
7. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM
14. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM
15. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM
16. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM
Standings
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM, 416
2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM, 395
3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 357
4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 287
5. Nicolas Aubin, France243
Other KTM
6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM
8. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 197
13. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM158
14. Jeremy Tarroux, France, 140
17. Joel Roelants, Belgium, 99
