Team Suzuki s Steve Ramon opened the 2007 FIM MX1 World Championship with third position overall this afternoon. Sunshine and balmy spring temperatures graced 25,000 spectators crowded into the Eurocircuit at Valkenswaard for Grand Prix of Benelux and the opening race of 15 as team mate Kevin Strijbos completed a decent weekend for the team with fourth overall.
The Belgian squad only had to make a short trip across from their base in Lommel to Valkenswaard. The Eurocircuit delivered the same shallow sandy but rough and energy-sapping terrain. The only difference was seen with several new corners and a layout run in reverse. The lap-times edged towards two minutes and 10 seconds.
Ramon gave flight to the chasing duo of Josh Coppins and Ken de Dycker in the first moto. Any hopes of victory evaporated at the midpoint of the race as he slipped off around the far side of the circuit. For a moment he was under pressure from Strijbos who rode a mainly lonely race in fourth spot but eventually regained his rhythm and surged after De Dycker who was fading into the final 10 minutes. The former World Champion made light work of passing his countryman before the perilous roller section and was unchallenged for the runner-up placing. Strijbos made sure of fourth.
The second race saw Ramon again mounting pressure on the leading group until another costly error - in what was a slightly nervy performance - dumped the 26 year old on the ground. He dusted himself down and took sixth to ensure a podium celebration. Strijbos again lacked the speed to penetrate the trio of Barragan, Coppins and de Reuver spaced out at the front but another fourth position left the Belgian content with a weekend of work somewhat against the odds.
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