BELGOROD-DNESTROVSKIY (Ukraine), 25 May 2013 – Martin Michek is proving to be the man to beat here in Belgorod-Dnestrovkiy claiming his first ever FIM Motocross MX3 World Championship qualifying race victory.From the moment the gates dropped the race was set to be fierce with all top five championship contenders inside the top ten around turn one. Leading the way was Czech Martin Michek followed by known championship threats current MX3 world champion Matthias Walkner and red plate holder Klemen Gercar.
While Michek managed to lead the race unchallenged from start to finish, Walkner was left to face pressure from the three challengers that followed him, Klemen Gercar, Gert Krestinov and Timur Muratov, who were engaged in a relentless battle for a podium finish. In the end Matthias Walkner managed to hold on for second, while Klemen Gercar gave up the third position on the last lap to Gert Krestinov forcing him to settle for fourth only just ahead of Timur Muratov in fifth.
Martin Michek – “I had a great start and I was incredibly happy with this race. Finally, for the first time in my career I won a qualifying race. I have been waiting three years for this win.”
Matthias Walkner – “It was OK, the position is good, but I am not satisfied with my riding. I am looking forward to tomorrow, it will be important to get a good start and have good rhythm.”
Gert Krestinov – “My start was OK, I had to make some passes to finish third. The track has improved and it is pretty good racing. Tomorrow will be great.”
Klemen Gercar – “I had a good start and was pushing hard but I got stuck behind Walkner and lost my rhythm. On the last lap Krestinov passed me, but anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
MX3 Qualifying Race top ten: 1. Martin Michek (CZE, KTM), 23:59.543; 2. Matthias Walkner (AUT, KTM), +0:09.651; 3. Gert Krestinov (EST, Kawasaki), +0:11.451; 4. Klemen Gercar (SLO, Honda), +0:13.168; 5. Timur Muratov (RUS, KTM), +0:13.629; 6. Christian Brockel (GER, KTM), +0:18.026; 7. Tomas Simko (SVK, KTM), +0:27.976; 8. Matevz Irt (SLO, Suzuki), +0:32.631; 9. Ludvig Söderberg (FIN, Honda), +0:33.791; 10. Petr Michalec (CZE, Honda), +0:41.549;
MX3 Round of Ukraine – QUICK FACTS
Circuit length: 1500m
Type of ground: Hard pack mixed with sand
Temperature: 26° C
Weather conditions: Sunny and Windy
TIMETABLE
Sunday: MX3 Warm up 10:30; MX3 Race 1 13:30; MX3 Race 2 16:30