Barragan second fastest in qualifying
By TMX Archives on 28th Mar 09
KTM factory rider Jonathan Barragan of Team Silver Action was the second fastest on Saturday in qualifying for the season's opening MX1 GP at Faenza, Italy setting the scene for a top result on Sunday and a flying start to the season.
The Spanish rider came in behind David Philippaerts to be the fastest KTM MX1rider in the session on a track that was hard and fast during the dry, but rainaltered conditions. With a wet day predicted for Sunday's race, the track couldbe dramatically different.
Barragan settles for good rhythm
"I was not that happy in the first practice but then we made some changes tothe setting and I felt much better," the Spanish rider said. "I had a good startin the qualifying race. I found a good rhythm and rode easy. I didn't push toohard but just concentrated on the bike. The track was very fast but the more Irode the more confident I got and I found some good lines. The track could bemore technical tomorrow if we do get the rain but if I have a good start I willtry to stay in front."
Max Nagl of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Teamwas not so lucky. The winner last year at Faenza got off to a very good start,took the holeshot and seemed set for a top result. But then it started raining,changing the conditions and Nagl came off, landing badly and aggravating anearlier injury to his thumb. Doctors said it was unlikely that there was afracture because Max still had movement in the thumb but they were carrying outx-rays on Saturday night as a precaution. He still expects to be in the startinggate for the first race of the season and given his track record of excellentstarts, he is optimistic of a good outcome.
MX Qualifying
1.David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha 23:42.136
2. Jonathan Barragan, Spain,KTM, 23:42.551
3. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha, 23:42.718
4. SteveRamon, Belgium, Suzuki, 23:54.633
5. Tanel Leok, Estonia, KTM, 23:55.750
Other KTM
23. Gert Krestinov, Estonia, KTM, 24:45.945