Coppins wins Italian opener

From Yamaha Racing

MONTEVARCHI, ITALY -- It was another successful double-act for Yamaha Motocross Team's Josh Coppins and David Philippaerts after their 1-2 results at the Mantova Starcross International last week. This time it was Coppins' turn to take the top step of the rostrum after the New Zealander produced two strong performances to walk away with the chequered flag in both motos. Philippaerts was second on both occasions as is now the "provisional" leader of the standings as his teammate will not contest the full series.

MX1 was largely a contest between the two factory riders. Coppins led the first race with Philippaerts doggedly hanging onto his tail. After 22 minutes Philippaerts took his chance and relegated the winner of five Grand Prix in 2007 to second spot. Coppins remained composed and watched the lines of the Tuscan before counter-attacking within the final two laps to seize the victory.

"It was a good race and another step forward for me as I feel my riding is getting better," said Coppins. "David was on the pace and we were both going fast this weekend. I still have some more meetings before the first GP and we will continue to work and build-up to the first Grand Prix."

The second moto was a straightforward affair as Coppins set a brace of blistering laps early into the second half of the sprint to break away from the Italian.

MX2 World Champion Antonio Cairoli was third in both sprints with just his second appearance steering the Yamaha Red Bull De Carli YZ450F. The 2007 MX2 Italian number one made a steady and solid beginning to his 2008 calendar.

Cairoli's crown in MX2 looks as though it will be closely fought over this season. In Montevarchi the class was decided between Yamaha Team Ricci's Nicolas Aubin (the eventual winner with 2-1 results), Davide Guarneri (5-3) and 3C Yamaha's Manuel Monni (1-5).

The second round of the series follows quickly next weekend at Castiglione Del Lago. Coppins will head northwest to race the Valence International in southern France.

Results Montevarchi Italian Championship Rnd 1

MX1
RACE 1: 1.Coppins (Yamaha); 2.Philippaerts (Yamaha); 3.Cairoli (Yamaha); 4.De Reuver (Honda); 5. Salvini (Suzuki).
RACE 2: 1.Coppins (Yamaha); 2.Philippaerts (Yamaha); 3.Cairoli (Yamaha); 4.De Reuver (Honda); 5. Salvini (Suzuki).

MX2
RACE 1: 1.Monni (Yamaha); 2.Aubin (Yamaha); 3.Tarroux (KTM); 4.Pellegrini (KTM); 5.Guarneri (Yamaha)
RACE 2: 1.Aubin (Yamaha); 2.Bonini (Yamaha); 3.Guarneri (Yamaha); 4.Seistola (Honda); 5.Monni (Yamaha)