DE DYCKER ON POLE IN BULGARIA

2009-04-04 10:56
Markedly contrasting weather conditions blessed the first day of action at Sevlievo for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria as Ken De Dycker took Pole Position and led a Teka Suzuki WMX1 one-two with Steve Ramon in the qualification heat of the second round of 15 in the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship.

De Dycker guided his fuel-injected RM-Z450 across the fast and hard-pack terrain and through a frantic qualification race to secure his first pole position of the season. Both he and Ramon bided their time across the watered dirt in the formative stages of the 20 minute and two-lap race before pushing to the front. Ramon, who had been fastest in the second practice session using the same bike set-up as Faenza last week, was proactive after Jonathan Barragan had slipped off and he then chased Clement Desalle to pass and lead.

After adjusting some suspension setting prior to the second practice period, De Dycker was comfortable across the small bumps and ruts and pulled through from a mid-top ten start to eventually overhaul Ramon in the final moments.

Further good weather is predicted for tomorrow's Grand Prix motos.

Ken de Dycker:
"This is not my favourite track because it is too fast and can be hard to pass. I had a decent start - for me - and found some nice lines. After that the race went well and felt easy. I have had enough of the mud so it is good to have sunny conditions like this."

Steve Ramon:
"I was struggling in the first few laps because of the water on the track but my start was good and my riding was also good for most of the day. So I waited a little while, found my lines and moved to the front. Ken passed me at the end; I don't know how, maybe he had some better lines. Anyway, I like the track even if it is fast. Getting a good start tomorrow will be vital."

MX1 Qualification Heat Results: 1. Ken De Dycker (BEL), Team Teka Suzuki; 2. Steve Ramon (BEL), Team Teka Suzuki; 3. Jonathan Barragan (ESP) KTM; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL) Honda; 5. Max Nagl (GER) KTM; 6. Josh Coppins (NZL) Yamaha; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA) Yamaha; 8. David Philippaerts (ITA) Yamaha; 9. Tanel Leok (ITA) Yamaha; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL) Honda.

Source: Team Suzuki Press Office

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