KTM “HERO” HIROSHI AOYAMA INCREDIBLE THIRD AT CHINESE GP (14.05.2006)
16 May 2006 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

RR WCH 250: 4th Round: Grand Prix of China/Shanghai

Nobody did expect just two weeks after historical first KTM GP 250 victory the next podium happening already the following round at Shanghai. Incredible talented and hard working Hiroshi Aoyama was pushing the team and himself to make it possible.

Most difficult and changing weather condition during the entire weekend made The Red Bull KTM GP 250 team with Hiroshi Aoyama and Manuel Poggiali working almost round the clock to catch up the lack of data information for their first participation at Shanghai International Circuit.

With grid position seven for “Hero” Hiroshi and tenth of Manuel the team was happy and well prepared for the start of the 21 lap lasting race held in the dry. Hiroshi Aoyama had a good start and made his way by keeping in touch with the race leader within less than three seconds in the following group; acting clever in the important last sequence of the race, the Japanese secured fantastic third place for KTM and partner Red Bull. Team colleague Manuel Poggali missed the start, coming back 16th after lap one. He did pick up position and time lap by lap and got 11th position at the finish for his first time at Shanghai on a 250cc bike.

Hiroshi Aoyama # 4 Red Bull KTM GP 250 –3rd Place
“The second podium in a row makes me very happy and is only possible with the big effort which is put into from my team, KTM, all our partners and sponsors. The bike was running so fast and well. I’m happy to have a little birthday present for my boss Harald, even if it is coming one day too late. furthermore we started testing on a new chassis, which we didn’t use for the race as we run out of time for more data. But so far I believe this will be an other step forward if we get all necessary information together. So I’m already looking forward to Le Mans as racing with my Red Bull KTM is really good fun, beside the interesting development. I’m happy man today.''

Manuel Poggiali # 54 Red Bull KTM GP 250 –11th Place
”I had a very bad start and had to make my race from the end. But lap time was not bad and finally I could finish 11th.''

Harald Bartol – Technical and Managing Director
''There is nothing to complain today; a perfect performance in 125cc class, and the positive and unexpected result of Hiroshi Aoyama with being the first time here with our 250cc project. I have to say thank you to KTM, the team and everybody involved for their great support.”

Photo courtesy of Milagro

www.ktm.at

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