TWIN VICTORIES FOR NAMBOTIN IN OPENING E3 ROUNDS
published at 26.03.2012
KTM factory rider Christophe Nambotin laid down the E3 challenge this weekend in Talca, Chile with a perfect scorecard for the opening rounds of the World Championship and to top the score sheet of the "Mika Ahola Brave One Trophy".
It was the French rider’s first competitive outing for the KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team and he immediately indicated his intentions for the season.
On Saturday Nambotin set the fastest time in the first five tests to wrap up the day with a commanding 50 seconds lead and said it had been “a perfect day”. But on Sunday he went one better being fastest over six of the eight tests to prove he intends to set the pace in this year’s championship.
E3 factory teammate David Knight on Saturday fought his way back from a bad start to finish fourth in what was a close race for the minor places. Knight, who is making a comeback after double hip surgery took him out for most of the 2011 season was only four seconds off the pace of second placed Aigar Leok.
It was a different story on Sunday when he had a strong ride. He was second fastest in six of the eight special tests to finish the day on the podium in second place. Nambotin and Knight sent a strong signal to the opposition that they intend to be a fighting force in the 2012 season.
E3 Results
1. Christophe Nambotin (F), KTM
2. Aigar Leok (EST), TM
3. Oriol Mena (E), Husaberg
4. David Knight (GB), KTM
5. Joakim Ljunggren (S), Husaberg
Other KTM
8. Manuel Monni (I), KTM
10. Marcus, Kehr (D), KTM
E3 Standings after Round 1
1. Christophe Nambotin (F), KTM, 20 points
2. Aigar Leok (EST), TM, 17
3. Oriol Mena (E), Husaberg, 15
4. David Knight (GB), KTM, 12
5. Joakim Ljunggren (S), Husaberg, 11
E3 Results Round 2
1. Christophe Nambotin (F), KTM
2. David Knight (GB), KTM
3. Aigar Leok (EST), TM
4. Joakim Ljunggren (S), Husaberg
5. Oriol Mena (E), Husaberg
Other KTM
8. Manuel Monni (I), KTM
9. Marcus, Kehr (D), KTM
E3 Standings after Round 2
1. Christophe Nambotin (F), KTM, 40 points
2. Aigar Leok (EST), TM, 32
3. David Knight (GB), KTM, 29
4. Oriol Mena (E), Husaberg 26
5. Joakim Ljunggren (S), Husaberg 23
Mika Ahola “Brave One” Trophy
1. Christophe Nambotin (F), KTM
2. Ivan Cervantes (E), Gas-Gas
3. Simone Albergoni (I), HM-Honda
4. David Knight (GB), KTM
EWC 2012 Chile – Highlights Day 1
EWC 2012 Chile – Highlights Day 2
Christophe Nambotin on his way to a double victory
Nambotin on the podium Saturday
David Knight in flying form in Talca