Paulin Digs Deep in GP Opener
Kawasaki Racing Team’s, Gautier Paulin has put in a gutsy performance at the opening round of the FIM Motocross world championship in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands. The 22-year-old Frenchman set the tone in the morning warm up session when he posted the fastest lap time in front of reigning MX1 champ Antonio Cairoli.
With weather forecasts giving heavy rains for the day the first moto got underway in good conditions, escaping the initial prediction. Paulin had to sneak up the inside of the hairpin first turn and was positioned in the top 5. He set some impressive lap times and moved past Belgian hopeful Clement Desalle and fellow countryman, Steven Frossard to take second behind Cairoli. A challenge from Frossard broke Paulin’s rhythm around the halfway mark allowing Desalle to pass as well. He settled down and secured 4th with Cairoli taking victory from Desalle and Frossard.
Heavy rains would challenge the riders in the second moto and Paulin made matters worse when he went down in the second turn. Starting from stone last he rode an impressive come back race with the final lap proving to be the most exciting. He pulled back the deficit to pass Christophe Pourcel, Karo and Simpson for 7th place, pushing him to 4th in the overall standings.
Gautier Paulin: “This was a very important start for me and every one on the Kawasaki Racing Team. We have all worked extremely hard over the winter and this weekend we proved we are competitive and ready to fight in the most difficult conditions. My starts were not so good and this is something I will work on for the next round. I’m confident with the KX450F and we also proved today that my fitness is my strong point. I’m looking forward to Bulgaria”
Round 2 of the 15 round series will take place on the 22nd of April in Sevlievo, Bulgria.
Race results:
Race 1
1 Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM
2 Desalle, Clement BEL Suzuki
3 Frossard, Steven FRA Yamaha
4 Paulin, Gautier FRA Kawasaki
5 de Dycker, Ken BEL KTM
6 Strijbos, Kevin BEL KTM
7 Philippaerts, David ITA Yamaha
8 Boog, Xavier FRA Kawasaki
9 Leok, Tanel EST Suzuki
10 Goncalves, Rui POR Honda
Race 2
1 Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM
2 Desalle, Clement BEL Suzuki
3 Frossard, Steven FRA Yamaha
4 Goncalves, Rui POR Honda
5 Strijbos, Kevin BEL KTM
6 de Dycker, Ken BEL KTM
7 Paulin, Gautier FRA Kawasaki
8 Simpson, Shaun GBR Yamaha
9 Pourcel, Christophe FRA Kawasaki
10 Karro, Matiss LAT KTM
MX GP Overall + Championship standings:
1 Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 50
2 Desalle, Clement BEL Suzuki 44
3 Frossard, Steven FRA Yamaha 40
4 Paulin, Gautier FRA Kawasaki 32
5 Strijbos, Kevin BEL KTM 31
6 de Dycker, Ken BEL KTM 31
7 Goncalves, Rui POR Honda 29
8 Simpson, Shaun GBR Yamaha 23
9 Leok, Tanel EST Suzuki 22
10 Boog, Xavier FRA Kawasaki 20