Tanel Leok Honda CRF450R - Photo by Ray Archer -
Photo courtesy Honda Pro Racing
Race Report - MX1 World Championship, Final Round 15 at Fermo, Italy
MX1 Season draws to close in Fermo for Honda riders
It has been a season of highs and lows for the Honda contingent and it seemed that many minds in the paddock were already thinking about next year. In fact many of the usual protagonists seemed out of sorts on a fast and picturesque track that did not offer a hugely technical challenge to the rider.
In the first moto, LS Motors Honda rider, Davide Guarneri was the best of the Hondas in 8th position, just over 30sec behind eventual race winner Steve Ramon. His team mate, Tanel Leok had been strangely missing all weekend and could only muster 15th position. “The track did not suit me at all” said Tanel. “I prefer it when it is a lot gnarglier and offers more of a challenge, that’s when I feel more comfortable.”
Honda Racing MX Martin rider, Jimmy Albertson, on the other hand seemed more at home on the smoother surface that paid more of a resembelance to the tracks in his native USA. A strong ride in the first moto saw him place just outside the top 10 and the American seemed to be enjoying his riding more than at any point throughout the second half of a tough season. “I have felt more comfortable this weekend, we have been running a new exhaust system and it has improved the power”. Jimmy Said. “I have been able to pull higher gears, which has helped in places.” His team mate Dean Ferris – guesting for the final two rounds – will have taken pride in a top 20 performance after the punishment he received a week previous in Lierop.
In the second moto the story was similar. The heat was one by Clement Desalle, who also took the overall victory. Guarneri was once again top Honda, this time in 11th position, followed by Martin Honda rider Jimmy Albertson in 12th. LS Motors Honda rider, Tanel Leok’s customary charge through the field once again failed to materialise after a poor start and he was forced to settle for 17th place. Nonetheless, he will be happy with 6th overall and accolades of top Honda rider in the MX1 World Championship, in a season where he has been a GP and race winner. “My aim was for top 5 but I am happy with 6th in the championship” said the Estonian. “I have had some good rides this year and showed my pace on the bike.”
The Young Australian, Ferris, aboard the Martin Honda CRF450R, suffered a mechanical problem that put pay to his hopes of another top 20 position, forcing him to retire from 18th. “It has been a great experience riding in the GPs this year and I would like to thank Honda Racing MX Martin for the opportunity” Dean said. “It has been a real steep learning curve and I will be sure to use what I have learned in my racing next season.”
So as the curtain falls on 2010, minds immediately switch to the 2011 season. The Honda squads will be working hard over the off season, preparing for a strong assault on the MX1 World Championship next season.
It is hoped that the 2011 official Honda rider line-up can be announced in the coming weeks, so keep in touch with www.hondaproracing.com for all the latest news.
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Jimmy Albertson Honda CRF450R - Photo by Ray Archer -
Photo courtesy Honda Pro Racing
Davide Guarneri Honda CRF450R - Photo by Ray Archer - Photo courtesy Honda Pro Racing
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For all media enquiries, please contact
Tom Hobbs in the Honda Motor Europe Press Office www.hondaproracing.com |
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