ATSUTA TAKES BEST QUALIFYING
27 August 2005 - Suzuki Racing

Team Suzuki rider Kevin Strijbos posted the 11th fastest time under blue skies and warm temperatures this afternoon at Gore-Basin for the Grand Prix of England, the 14th round of 17 in a long 2005 FIM MX1 World Championship.

The Belgian was however usurped by Suzuki compatriot Yoshitaka Atsuta who clocked the 10th best effort on his RM-Z450 to notch a season highest qualification standing.

At Motovision Suzuki Racing''s home event Atsuta immediately had a good feeling on the track and after stiffening the suspension slightly and adjusting the jetting, the former Japanese Champion comfortably eased into the top 10 with a lap two tenths over Strijbos.

Strijbos, the 20 year old winner of the Czech Grand Prix, struggled to find his confidence on the rough and technical terrain and wasn''t able to push himself to the limit despite adjusting the RM-Z throughout the afternoon.

A sizeable crowd turned up to watch the first day of activities at the popular circuit situated among the scenic Arreton downs in the centre of the Island.
The track had been well prepared and numerous lines were on offer to the MX1 riders throughout two practice sessions and the official chrono.

Further good weather is predicted for tomorrow''s race programme.

Kevin Strijbos:

''I don''t know what happened today but I could not get comfortable on the bike. We tried some changes through the practice although it did not improve the situation. I want to forget the afternoon and think about the race tomorrow. The track is good but it is pretty rough also. If I can take a good start then I think a top five will be possible.''

Yoshitaka Atsuta:

''That was the best qualifying practice of the season because my previous had been a 16th. I like the track and the jumps and I am feeling good. The bike is working well and I found some decent speed through the jumps so that probably gave me a few more seconds. I need some good starts tomorrow but I want top six in both races.''

MX1 Timed Practice: 1 Mickael Pichon, FRA Honda 2:03.911. 2 Steve Ramon, BEL KTM 2:04.314. 3 Joshua Coppins, NZL Honda 2:04.601. 4 Stefan Everts, BEL Yamaha 2:04.775. 5 Tanel Leok, EST Kawasaki 2:05.011. 6 Ben Townley, NZL KTM 2:05.114. 7 James Noble, GBR Honda 2:06.108. 8 Ken de Dijcker, BEL Honda 2:06.851. 9 Jonathan Barragan, SPA KTM 2:07.010. 10 Yoshitaka Atsuta, JPN Suzuki 2:07.810. 11 Kevin Strijbos, BEL Suzuki 2:07.977. 27 Danny Theybers, BEL Suzuki 2:10.053.

MX1 World Championship Standings (after 14 rounds): 1 Stefan Everts, (BEL) 589. 2 Joshua Coppins, (NZL) 536. 3 Ben Townley, (NZL) 460. 4 Mickael Pichon, (FRA) 404. 5 Joel Smets, (BEL) 385. 6 Steve Ramon, (BEL) 380. 7 Pascal Leuret, (FRA) 278. 8 Ken de Dijcker, (BEL) 268. 9 Tanel Leok, (EST) 254. 10 James Noble, (GBR) 252. 13 Danny Theybers, (BEL) 226. 14 Yoshitaka Atsuta, (JPN) 185. 19 Kevin Strijbos, (BEL) 126.

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