MXGP Round 5 Germany

Coppins gained his first pole position on the YZ450FM during an initiallywet Timed Practice on Saturday. High winds on Friday meant that the practiceschedule had to be cut in order to complete the set-up of the circuit,Nevertheless the Yamaha Motocross Team had a decent day of preparation enjoyinga pleasing one-two for both of their riders as Marc de Reuver flew to a lap-timejust four thousandths of a second slower than Coppins.

Despite the adverseconditions at the start of the weekend (Saturday was windy, cloudy and withoccasional showers) Sunday dawned sunny and slightly breezy. With its climbs,drops, banked curves and undulations Talkessel still has a flowing layout eventhough a new sandy loop had been installed. The hard terrain had also been mixedwith sand in many places with a view to generating more lines which waspartially successful. The speed remained fairly high and the course was not themost technically difficult of the calendar; therefore the gaps between ridersremained constant and tricky to cut down.

The first MX1 moto saw an excellent start for the Italian crew as Coppins pulledaway from de Reuver and the pair kept a comfortable distance over Steve Ramon. Arepeat result looked as though it might happen later in the afternoon but thethree second lead diligently created by Coppins vanished when the 30 year oldhit neutral and crashed in the sand. He remounted in eighth and then joined in athrilling five rider fight for the lead.

In theory it should have beende Reuver's race and Grand Prix. Riding at the venue where he won his firstGrand Prix in 2003 the Dutchman looked comfortable when he inherited Coppins'position but then slipped off his 450 in a surprising crash. Devastated by hismistake he then could do no better than eighth place, which gave him fourthoverall; still his best finish so far this year. Coppins meanwhile hadre-launched an offensive and climbed into the top four but he then clipped hisright foot on a bank after exiting a corner a little too fast and twisted hisankle, nullifying his speed somewhat. He confirmed sixth to seal the third stepof the podium.

Coppins' lead in the standings has increased by seven pointsover Kevin Strijbos, who could only take fifth, and now reaches 43 for almost afull Grand Prix advantage.