Coppins still third in championship standings.

A sell out Italian crowd along with magnificent weather and track conditions set the scene for round eight of the MX1 world championship series in Castiglione del Lago. Josh Coppins could not capitalize on the perfect settings as the Kiwi was frustrated not to capitalize on his good speed over the weekend.

As the gate fell for the start of race one, Coppins was nudged out by fellow Honda rider Mickael Pichon which blew any chances of a hole-shot or good start. The CAS Honda rider had to regain his composure and fight through the pack to make up his lost positions. Eventually Coppins found his race rythym and started to reel in Stefan Everts after he had disposed of Spanish youngster Jonathan Barragan. An exciting battle was on for fifth spot with Coppins all over the back wheel of his Belgian challenger but Lizard just couldn’t find the gap to pass his rival so had to settle for sixth.

Race two seemed to be a carbon copy of the first with Coppins wheel spinning up the start and having to come through the pack. He managed to get by Brian Jorgensen around the halfway point and kept a steady position until the finish flag to come home in fifth.

“My times were good all weekend so I had high expectations going into the race today. Although I really liked the track, I could find my race rhythm and left my self vulnerable because I was so frustrated that I couldn’t pass and get through to the front. I seemed to be fighting with myself which was a bit frustrating. I had wheel spin in both starts which sort of messed up my chances. On a positive note I’m still third in the championship and very close to Smets,” explained Coppins.

MX1 World championship results

Results MX1

Race1
1 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 39:57.092
2 Jorgensen Brian, Den, Yamaha, 39:59.510
3 Leuret Pascal, Fra, Honda, 40:04.148
4 Smets Joël, Bel, Suzuki, 40:05.621
5 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 40:06.821
6 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 40:07.925
7 Barragan Jonathan, Spa, Ktm, 40:15.254
8 Seguy Luigi, Fra, Yamaha, 40:22.357
9 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 40:23.176
10 Federici Claudio, Ita, Yamaha, 40:23.929
11 Pyrhonen Antti, Fin, Tm, 40:24.628
12 Atsuta Yoshitaka, Jpn, Suzuki, 40:24.674
13 Noble James, Gbr, Honda, 40:32.956
14 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 40:36.960
15 Leok Tanel, Est, Kawasaki, 40:52.247

Race 2

1 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 40:12.350
2 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 40:13.335
3 Smets Joël, Bel, Suzuki, 40:14.810
4 Barragan Jonathan, Spa, Ktm, 40:26.297
5 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 40:34.613
6 Jorgensen Brian, Den, Yamaha, 40:38.857
7 Leuret Pascal, Fra, Honda, 40:43.367
8 Seguy Luigi, Fra, Yamaha, 40:49.097
9 Leok Tanel, Est, Kawasaki, 40:50.793
10 Noble James, Gbr, Honda, 40:56.065
11 Nemeth Kornel, Hun, Suzuki, 40:59.664
12 Pyrhonen Antti, Fin, Tm, 41:04.216
13 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 41:05.931
14 Atsuta Yoshitaka, Jpn, Suzuki, 41:06.085
15 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 41:08.635

MX1 Championship standings

1 Everts Stefan, Bel, Yamaha, 339 points
2 Smets Joël, Bel, Suzuki, 276 points
3 Coppins Joshua, Nzl, Honda, 274 points
4 Pichon Mickael, Fra, Honda, 261 points
5 Townley Ben, Nzl, Ktm, 254 points
6 Ramon Steve, Bel, Ktm, 203 points
7 Noble James, Gbr, Honda, 160 points
8 Jorgensen Brian, Den, Yamaha, 158 points
9 De Dycker Ken, Bel, Honda, 143 points
10 Leuret Pascal, Fra, Honda, 130 points
11 Leok Tanel, Est, Kawasaki, 126 points
12 Theybers Danny, Bel, Suzuki, 126 points
13 Van Daele Marvin, Bel, Honda, 119 points
14 Pyrhonen Antti, Fin, Tm, 115 points
15 Cooper Paul, Gbr, Honda, 109 points