ATSUTA GRABS SECOND PODIUM
20 June 2005 - Suzuki Racing

Motovision Suzuki Racing''s Yoshitaka Atsuta was able to enjoy his second podium appearance of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship as he guided the RM-Z450 WS to third position in the second MX1 moto at the Desertmartin fifth round.

In the first heat the former Japanese Champion fell three times in the space of a lap and a half and had to spend the duration of the 35 minute duration regaining ground until he eventually passed team mate Neville Bradshaw for eighth. In the second race he made a substantially better start and was running behind leader Josh Coppins until the superior speed of Jussi Vehvilainen relegated him to third. Atsuta''s last top three appearance was back in March at Canada Heights for the season-opener: He was fifth overall and holds the same standing in the Championship points table.

The Porter''s Pit circuit in Northern Ireland was not graced by the best weather as grey clouds remained ever-present although the rainfall that seemed certain to arrive surprisingly held off. The sandy track was a physical and demanding test as it became bumpier and rougher with each passing lap.

Moving around the paddock with a heavy limp, Bradshaw was making a brave last competitive outing before returning to South Africa for an operation on his broken foot this coming Friday. Bradshaw put on a tough display in the first moto to take an excellent ninth place but the effects of not have ridden the bike in six weeks took their toll as he slipped off in the second race and could not make it to the chequered flag. He is likely to be out of action for five weeks and may possibly return for round six although the Grand Prix of England on the Isle of Wight towards the end of August is a more realistic target.

www.suzuki-racing.com

More News
  For June 2005
  From Suzuki Racing
  For Motocross
  Biker247.com Home Page