Tommy Searle got the edge on Red Bull KTM teammate Tyla Rattray in race two on the twisty Loket track on Sunday to come away with the overall Czech Republic GP victory.
Searle has now inched closer to championship leader Tyla as the fight between the teammates for the MX2 title goes right down to the wire. With Anthony Boissiere of the KTM-supported team HDI of France in third place on the podium, it was an excellent result for the Austrian manufacturer.
Close races, thrills for spectators
The two races in the Czech Republic, the first won by Rattray of South Africa and the second by Searle after both managed to capitalise on mistakes of their teammates, were a true indication of how little there is between these two outstanding KTM factory riders. Both riders delivered top performances in what was viewed as one of the best races of the season. And although British teenager Searle came away with the overall victory, Rattray still leads the championship by 20 points and hangs onto the coveted Red Plate. Despite the tight race for the title the two Red Bull KTM teammates are still displaying solid team harmony and both declared that the two races in Loket were "a lot of fun".
Sunday a reward for efforts, Searle says
Tommy was out of the gates very fast and established an early lead in both races. "I had a good speed the whole weekend," he said. "I made some mistakes yesterday and I put a bit of pressure on myself so the win today was my reward. To be first and second was good and we had lots of fun. I am looking forward to the next race in Ireland and although there will be some pressure because it's like a home GP for me, I'll also have the support of a lot of fans," Searle said, commenting about the brand new racing venue in Ireland.
Best result at Loket for Rattray
Tyla Rattray, who rode superbly in both races, was able to capitalise on a mistake by Searle in the final stages of race one to take the first place. Although the tables were turned in race two he was very satisfied with his overall second place. Last year in Loket Rattray sustained injuries that took him out for the rest of the season and ended his bid for the 2007 title. "Considering my past results here, this weekend was a success for me," the South African said. "I got past Tommy in the first heat when he made a mistake and we had a good fight in and lots of fun in the second. From now on I will try to lift my game and do my best in the remaining races. I have been fighting for the title for the past three seasons, so I don't feel any particular pressure." Rattray did ride the second race with a strapped ankle after he twisted it in the first race. He will have it checked out by doctors in Belgium this week.
Goncalves fails to find rhythm
After winning the second qualifying race on Saturday, Red Bull KTM's Portuguese rider Rui Goncalves was seventh overall and moved down one place in the overall standings to sixth position. "Today was not the result I expected after I did well yesterday," Goncalves commented. "I didn't have good starts and the first corner here is very tricky. Now I am going to focus on the things I have to improve on."
Cracked collarbone for Shaun Simpson
Shaun Simpson of KTM UK was forced to sit out Sundays GP after he cracked his right collarbone in a crash on Saturday. He attempted a few laps in the warm-up session on Sunday but then decided to sit out the race. Simpson, who has been confirmed for the Red Bull KTM Factory team for 2009, is still fourth in the championship standings. He will have medical tests this week, after which it will be decided if he will be able to race in Ireland.
Overall MX2 Results:
1. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM (2-1)
2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM (1-2)
3. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM, (5-3)
4. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha (3-6)
5. Steven Sword, Britain, Kawasaki (4-5)
Other KTM:
7. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM (8-10)
10. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM (9-12)
11. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM (7-20)
14. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM
Championship Standings:
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM 499
2. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM 479
3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, 357
4. Shaun Simpson, Britain, KTM 312
5. Nicolas Aubin, France, Yamaha 309
Other KTM:
6. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 303
9. Jeremy van Horebeek, Belgium, KTM 244
12. Anthony Boissiere, France, KTM 210
15. Jeremy Tarroux, France, KTM 161
16. Joel Roelants, Belgium, KTM 148
