Bou makes it five wins in a row in Japan
By TMX Archives on 6th Jun 09
Toni Bou Repsol Montesa HRC made it five wins in a row when he sealed an outstanding victory during the first day of the Japanese Grand Prix. Bou came home fifteen marks clear of his team-mate Takahisa Fujinami Repsol Montesa HRC on the opening day of round four of the 2009 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. Adam Raga Gas Gas looked off form all day and can count himself lucky to have taken the last podium place.
Heavy rain over night brought some much needed severity to thesections, many of which were hidden in the wooded areas that surroundthe circuit. Greasy rocks and steep slippery climbs were very much theorder of the day, with the exception of the two arena type hazards thatopened and closed each lap.
Bou was simply in a class of his own, dropping just two marks on hisfirst lap, and a mere four more over the closing fifteen sections. Hisvictory was never in doubt, leaving the rest to scrap it out. Fujinamirecorded two consistent scores to take a worthy runners up position,whilst Raga had to produce a better afternoon performance to overtakeDougie Lampkin – Beta, who held third spot at the halfway point.
In the Junior class it was a British 1-2, with Alexz Wigg – Beta andJack Challoner – Beta filling the top two spots on the podium. Wigg'sfifth win of the campaign to date now takes him eighteen points clearof his nearest challenger Alfredo Gomez – Montesa, who could onlymanage fourth position today. Italian rider Matteo Grattarola – Shercocompleted the podium, with Matteo holding the same place in the seriesstandings.
Jonathan Richardson – Sherco making his maiden trip to the JapaneseGrand Prix recorded his fourth win of the season in the Youth category,to make his long journey east very worthwhile. Tanguy Mottin – Gas Gaswho took back-to-back victories at the previous round in the UKfinished as runner up today. Whilst Luca Cotone – Beta achieved hisbest ever placing to secure the last podium place. Richardson now leadsthis division by a healthy thirty points.
Tomorrow will bring the second and final day of the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix at Twin Ring, Motegi.
Day 1 Results: (2 Day event)
World
1: Bou 6
2: Fujinami 21
3: Raga 27
Junior
1: Wigg 24
2: Challoner 31
3: Grattarola 36
Youth 125cc
1: Traviesa 2
2: Borrellas 3
3: Richardson 7
2009 FIM Riders Championship Current Standings:
World
1: Bou 117
2: Raga 103
3: Cabestany 78
Junior
1: Wigg 117
2: Gomez 99
3: Grattarola 90
Youth 125cc
1: Richardson 112
2: Mottin 82
3: Traviesa 74
2009 FIM Manufacturers Championship
Current Standings:
1: Montesa 183
2: Gas Gas 166
3: Beta 132
4: Sherco 115
For more information please visit www.fim-live.com