Valkenswaard, Netherlands – 25th April 2011 – World Championships
Points elusive for HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK at tough Dutch MXGP 25th April 2011
HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK faced an immensely testingsecond Grand Prix of the 2011 FIM Motocross World Championship and despite frantic battles through the mid-fields of both MX1 and MX2 classes had to walk away from the Dutch circuit of Valkenswaard without a grasp of GP points.
35,000 spectators flocked to the circuit near Eindhoven and enjoyed blazing sunshine over Easter weekend. Valkenswaard is renowned for its shallow sand and although there are deeper and more demanding circuits across the Netherlands the relentless ripples of the terrain – coupled with the heat – still created a thoroughly difficult prospect for relative GP rookies Graeme Irwin and Jordan Booker.
Irwin, on the KTM 350SX-F, rued delays in getting up to speed in the frantic opening exchanges of both long 35 minute and 2 lap motos. The Irishman was 29th and 26th for a ranking of 29th overall. Booker – in only his second world championship appearance – was able to digest the nuances of line-choice and diligence needed for a sand-based GP event and was 21st and 23rd, just shy of a top twenty slot needed for point-scoring.
In some bright news Jake Nicholls was attending the event and confirmed to the media that he has already begun cycling and a full rehab programme in recovery from his broken ankle. The team remain optimistic that the Motocross of Nations Team Great Britain representative can open his world championship campaign in France at the beginning of June.
HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK will now face the fourth round of the Maxxis British Championship at Milton Park this coming weekend.
For more information visit the team’s website at: www.ktmukmx.com
Graeme Irwin:
“Things went OK but I need to get better at putting my fast laps right from the beginning of the race. I took too long to get my speed and rhythm going and it cost me a chance of getting a sniff of the points.”
Jordan Booker:
“It was an interesting first grand prix here for me and I did the best I could out there. Again I feel like I learned a lot, especially seeing the speed these guys can go through the sand. I hope to take some more confidence to the next British Championship meeting and then will look forward to our next GP in France.”
Roger Magee, Team Principal:
“This MXGP at Valkenswaard was exceptionally tough with extreme track conditions and the searing heat. Many of the established GP riders seemed to find it a real test of their preparation and fitness. Jordan and Graeme managed to complete both motos in their respective MX2 and MX1 classes, despite their limited GP experience and were unfortunate not to score points. They will have gained a wealth of knowledge this weekend at the traditional Dutch venue and this will stand them in good stead for the future. Jake Nicholls attended this weekend as a spectator (with some TV commentating duties with Paul Malin) and he can’twait to get back on his 250SX-F HM Plant Red Bull KTM in about 2 weeks time, with a possible return to the MXGPs at St Jean D’Angely, France at the beginning of June.”
