Mantova throws up a few early season surprises!

Mantova this weekend always produces great early season races and tomorrow is looking to be just that. Biggest surprise this morning in qualifying must be how fast Cairoli is on the new KTM 350, 3 seconds a lap faster than anyone at this level is monumental. The race will be different for sure but at this stage little Tony is looking awesome.

Cairoli will be difficult to beat going on his performance so far in Mantova

One rider who is suffering in the deep wet sand of Italy is Mike Alessi who could only manage 23rd in qualifying not good for a rider who many said would come to Europe and clean up.

David Philippaerts didn't seem with it this morning expect better in the race later today

It was all smiles for Steven Ramon and his team after posting 7th but it was sand specialist Marc De Reuver who produced the fastest time by any Suzuki rider in 3rd. Young American import Jimmy Albertson took to the Mantova circuit like a duck to water and finished 2nd to Cairoli – will the young American have the speed in the race? Only time will tell.

Team Aprillia was one rider down this morning as Josh Coppins was a no show, not sure why the Kiwi didn’t show seeing his team is Italian based.

More later…

Tags: belgium, british, cairoli, competition, coppins, crash, desalle, european, fim, france, french, germany, gp, honda, italy, motocross, NAGL, simpson, suzuki