Tyla Rattray third in Teutschenthal in MX2
By TMX Archives on 13th May 07
KTM Red Bull Racing Teams South African rider Tyla Rattray kept to his pre-race promise to try to be on the podium for every Grand Prix race and came in overall third at the Grand Prix of Germany.
Rattray had a 4-3 race result on the German circuit for his overall thirdposition. This was a good podium for me but my main goal now is to start takingthe holeshot, Rattray commented after the race. This is something I reallyhave to work on because if I don't get a good start then it's very hard to closethe gap.
Rattray's comments were reinforced by team boss Stefan Everts who said hewill continue to work on starts with the South African. The first 10-15 minutesof the race are very important for him, Everts said.
It was not such as successful weekend for the second MX2 rider, Britishteenager Tommy Searle, who struggled to find his rhythm on the German track.Searle was also hampered in the first moto when he lost his goggles, butsoldiered on despite this handicap. Tommy has already had his share of podiumsand anyone can have a bad day, Everts said. He really showed how tough he wastoday being able to finish the race without his goggles.
KTM Offroad Director Pit Beirer expressed delight with the team's effortsthis weekend at what is essentially is his home GP. If we are doing well it isbecause this is a real team effort, Beirer said. We have a great team, goodriders, and good bikes, so now all these are now coming together. We've all beenworking hard and now we are beginning to get the rewards.
The result dropped Rattray one place down to third in the season's standingswhile his arch rival for the season, Italian rider Antonio Cairoli continued hiswinning streak by taking first in both motos.
Tommy Searle's 15-10 result for the two motos meant he moved from fourth tofifth in the current season standings.
Results MX2 Teutschenthal
1. Antonio Cairoli, Italy, Yamaha (1-1)
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (2-2)
3. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, KTM (4-3)
4. Pascal Leuret, France, Honda (6-4)
5. Davide Guameri, italy, Yamaha (5-5)
10. Tommy Searle, Britain, KTM (15-7)