Musquin practices on a stock KTM
By Alex Hodgkinson on 15th Jul 09
MARVIN Musquin rode a stock KTM in unmarked gear at Lommel on Tuesday of this week (July 14). An appeal against the initial court judgment, which ordered the Frenchman to fulfill his contractual obligations to the NGS Honda team, is set for July 21 at Rouen. However, KTM is seeking an out-of-court settlement before that date.
The phone lines in Belgium were burning on Tuesday afternoon as the World MX2 points-leader arrived at the practice and race facility in northern Belgium, which will host the next GP on August 1/2.
Musquin unloaded a stock KTM out of a Sprinter van marked in KTM colours, kitted up in unmarked Alpinestar gear (NGS Honda is contracted to wear First Racing kit) and put in some practice laps in full view of the usual multitude of riders who are always in attendance at Lommel practice days, including Martin Honda's Marc De Reuver.
KTM Off-Road Sports Director, Pit Beirer: "I did not know that Marvin was riding today, but I am glad to hear that he is practicing. He still has a standard KTM and it was part of the understanding that he would not ride it with markings and use neutral riding gear."
Beirer added that July 21 had been set for the appeal against the decision of the High Court in Le Havre that Musquin must return to NGS Honda and break off all contact with KTM France and KTM Austria until midnight on December 31, 2009.
"We are seeking an out-of-court settlement with Honda and Mr Losito (the NGS Honda team owner). I do not think anyone is interested in having to go to court on July 21."
While on the telephone Beirer confirmed that Rui Goncalves had not suffered serious knee damage on Sunday at Mehrnbach, Austria, when he twisted his knee in a race.
It seems that the Portuguese rider has bruised a cartilage and has fluid on his knee, but should be able to resume training this weekend.