Barragan shines at Valkenswaard for second in MX1
By TMX Archives on 1st Apr 07
Red Bull KTM factory rider Jonathan Barragan's clear victory in the second moto of the opening MX1 GP gave KTM Red Bull second overall in the seasons opener at Valkenswaard.
Barragan, who was a creditable fifth in the opening race, went out hard and fast in race two taking a commanding lead in the opening stages. He clocked the fastest lap of 2:08.463 in lap five and went on to win by 10.3 seconds from Joshua Coppins of New Zealand.
The Spanish rider's victory in the second moto rounded off a near perfect day for the KTM factory team in which thanks to Tyla Rattray, they were also second overall in MX2. The factory team of the Austrian company is now under the guidance of team manager Stephan Everts, himself 10-times world motocross champion, who retired at the end of last season.
In race one Barragan got away at a constant speed and was in ninth position after the first corner. He showed determination by chipping away at the opposition and had worked his way up to fifth place by the middle of the race, a position that he was able to hold onto until the finish of the race.
“I had some problems with the brake in the first moto and that affected my speed but in the second I had a very good start. I was fighting with David (Philippaerts) in the early part of the race but after 10 minutes I already knew I was going to win.
Barragan also paid tribute to the efforts of new team boss Stefan Everts, saying that the good winter training was now paying off.
Barragan's teammate Philippaerts of Italy was not so fortunate. He crashed in the early stages of the first heat and sustained some damage to his KTM 450 SX-F machine. He was able to get started again but was then relegated to the rear of the field to eventually finish back in 23rd position. His run of bad luck continued in the second moto when after the good start and the initial battle with Barragan he had to retire because of small technical problems.
“I had some bad luck today but I had good times in the free practice and the warm-up, so overall this means I am quite confident for the coming races, the Italian rider said. Everts also said that Philippaerts needs to pace himself better to get used to the bigger MX1 competition bike. Last year he competed in MX2.
We had a good day, Everts said. But it could be even better but we tried really hard and we are working well together. I am very happy with Jonathan's and Tyla's results. Tyla Rattray was second overall in the MX2 class for the KTM factory team.
Also putting in two creditable results was KTM factory-supported privateer Max Nagl of Germany - seventh in race one and 10th in race two.
Results
Race One
1. Joshua Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 41:01.884
2. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 41:18.837
3. Ken de Dyker, Belgium, Honda, 41:27.106
4. Kevin Stribos, Belgium, Suzuki, 41:37.589
5. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM, 42:00.153
7. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 42:06.563
23. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM 41:40.307
Race Two
1. Jonathan Barragan, Spain, KTM 41:44.389
2. Joshua Coppins, New Zealand, Yamaha, 41:54.775
3. Marc de Reuver, Netherlands, Yamaha, 42:05.831
4. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki, 42:12.829
5. Manuel Priem, Belgium, TM, 42:22,963
24. David Philippaerts, Italy, KTM DNF