Salminen continues to dominate E1 in Portugal
By TMX Archives on 5th May 07
Juha Salminen again proved his immense Enduro racing skills on Saturday in the first of two races in the Portuguese Grand Prix, securing another first place in the E1 class for the KTM Enduro Factory Team.
The Finn, who returned from competition in the GNCC Series in the USA torejoin the Grand Prix circuit, now has an unblemished record of five victoriesfrom five races so far held.
"Today was a very tough race,” said team boss Fabio Farioli. "But Salminenwas very strong and led right from the start. The result is an excelled starttowards his bid for the title in the World Enduro Championships, his declaredgoal for the season.
Alessandro Belometti, the second KTM factory rider in E1 was fifth onSaturday to add valuable points in the championship standings. The Italianhowever finished the race with a suspected broken toe after a crash but hopes tobe fit to ride in the second race on Sunday.
Weather condition were sunny and windy conditions that are expected tocontinue on Sunday.
Results, Day 1
1. Juha Salminen, Finland, KTM, Tests – 44:17.80
2. Marc Germain, France, Yamaha, 44:49.23
3. Cristobal Guerrero, Spain, Yamaha, 44:50.60
4. Simone Albergoni, Italy, Honda, 45:00.52
5. Alessandro Belometti, Italy, KTM, 45:03.14