Team Suzuki Press Office – June 25.
The first day of the Fullback Grand Prix of Lombardia saw Team Suzuki World MXGP’s Ben Townley make a hard fight back to gain 12th position in the Qualification Heat at Mantova.
The New Zealander was involved in a slip on the opening corner of the 20- minute and two-lap sprint to decide slots in the start gate for the two motos of the 12th round of 18 in the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship tomorrow. The ‘#8’ gunned his RM-Z450 back from last place in a determined charge across the hard-packed sand in Italy.
A generous gathering of spectators at Mantova sweated in heat and humidity and a climate over 30 degrees for a sharp contrast to the cloudy and showery conditions witnessed at the British Grand Prix last weekend. The sunshine meant a rough, hard and often slippery terrain around the compact layout.
Townley improved from 15th to 10th positions in the Free and Timed Practice sessions and then had an excellent start in the Heat race to be among the leaders entering the first turn. ‘BT’ was down before hitting the apex of the tight left-hander and then had to rally back through a full 40-rider field to earn his classification.
