Laier wins fourth consecutive WMX GP in Saint Jean D'Angely

2010-06-06 20:03
Red Bull KTM Racing's factory rider Steffi Laier battled mud and track mayhem in the second moto of the WMX GP in Saint Jean D'Angely, France to be second across the line, sufficient after her win in the first moto on Saturday to give her a fourth consecutive GP victory.

But it was not all plain sailing for the German rider who faced very different conditions that her ride on Saturday after a big thunderstorm turned the hard pack French track into nothing short of a mud bath. Steffi started on pole and managed to skate around a multiple rider crash on the opening hill but came unstuck herself going down the descent. Mud caked bikes were difficult for the women to pick up and Steffi found herself back in the middle of the pack when she rejoined the race.

Eventful second race
In the style that has made her the world champion and secured her a factory ride, Steffi cut her way through the mud and moved up to fourth place in lap 2. One lap later she was lying third and then second with clear track ahead on the next lap but she still had little chance of catching the ultimate moto winner, Italy's Chiara Fontanese.

Laier extends her championship lead
When asked after the race if she had expected to do well in France, especially against her French rival Livia Lancelot, Laier said. "Yes and no. I knew that I was strong but something happed to almost everyone in the second race. There were lots of crashes and I also crashed twice but I didn't expect that she would not do well here. It's good for me because the (points) gap is now quite big. I think, and I hope I can do the same at my home GP in Germany.

Steffi can now go confidently to her next GP at home in Germany in two weeks time in a strong position to defend the world title she won in 2009.

KTM also has a commanding 56 points lead in the manufacturer's standings.

WMX GP results
1. Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM 25-22—47
2. Chiara Fontanesi, Italy, Yamaha, 14-25—39
3. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki, 18-20—38
4. Maria Franke, Germany, KTM 20-18—38
5. Marielle De Mol, Yamaha, 15-16—31
Other KTM
6. Livia Lancelot, France, KTM, 22-8—30
7. Natalie Kane, Britain, KTM, 12-14—26
9. Elin Mann, Sweden, KTM 16-7—23

Standings after four of seven rounds
Steffi Laier, Germany, KTM, 192
2. Livia Lancelot, France, KTM, 150
3. Maria Franke, Germany, KTM, 141
4. Chiara Fontanesi, Italy, Yamaha, 137
5. Larissa Papenmeier, Germany, Suzuki 137

Source: KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG

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