Kawasaki Racing Team back to full strength in Beervelde

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Manuel Priem and a rejuvenated Tanel Leok mix it up in Belgian National season opener at Beervelde

Overcast and damp conditions greeted the Kawasaki Racing Team who were at full strength for the first time since the Valence International for the opening round of the Belgian national championship at Beervelde.

With Leok ready to race again after his early pre-season shoulder injury and the ever-improving Manuel Priem looking more and more settled on the factory KX450F-SR the team were hoping to continue the improvement they’ve shown in recent weeks and the riders did not disappoint.

Manuel lead the way in qualifying finishing in 4th spot while a tentative Tanel eased his way back into race mode posting a fine 6th position and within three seconds of the fastest rider on the two-minute plus lap.

With Priem working on finding the optimum power delivery for the KX450F-SR in recent weeks it was no surprise to see both KRT riders in the top-10 from the start in moto one. While Priem worked on chasing down Ken De Dycker for third, Leok moved up from 8th to 6th only to lose a place in the closing moments of the 20-minute plus one lap race. Priem stayed a satisfactory 4th unable to pass De Dycker even though he set faster laps for much of the moto.

Moto two once more saw Leok and Priem get their factory Kawasakis off the line well with Manuel 5th and Tanel in 6th position. Both riders moved into the top five where they looked set to end the race until Manuel made a rare mistake - getting stuck in some deep mud - on the last lap dropping from 3rd to 6th behind his KRT teammate.

On a much rougher circuit for race three both KRT riders once more gated in the top 10, progressed to the top four then proceeded to battle for the final podium spot. Improving more and more with each second spent on the KX450F-SR Leok actually finished the race just five seconds short of the winner Ken De Dycker in a thrilling battle which had the crowd on their toes. Priem was able to stay 4th throughout the race once more proving his amazing fitness by setting his fastest lap of the race in the closing half.

"My starts were pretty good today and the riding went also well but the track was really hard," explains Priem. "In the second heat I got stuck in the mud three turns from the finish - that caused me to miss the podium by a whisker. In heat three the pace lay a bit lower and I was able to follow Leok and use his lines after he’d passed me. I am pleased with the progress I've made - especially my three good starts."

Despite being in a little bit of discomfort Tanel Leok was pleased with his comeback."Everything went okay today so that was a real relief because it was my first big race after my shoulder injury! I managed to enjoy myself although the shoulder still felt a little bit sore. However I can ride through the pain so it should be fine for the GP in Valkenswaard."

The Kawasaki Racing Team travels to Valkenswaard in the southern half of the Netherlands next weekend for the opening round of the MX1 world championship where team riders Manuel Priem and Tanel Leok will both be looking for top five finishes.

By: Kawasaki PR