Tony Cairoli hands KTM the 2010 MX1 title in Brazil

Tony Cairoli won an eventful and action-packed second moto in Campo Grande Brazil on Sunday to secure the MX1 GP and the 2010 World Championship title riding KTM’s revolutionary new 350 SX-F motocross bike. It was the Italian rider’s fourth world title and his first for the Red Bull Factory Racing Team.
"I didn't expect to win here but its always nice to be world champion as soon as possible," Tony said. "I didn't take any risks and I was also a bit lucky that Desalle stopped, but that is racing. for sure I am happy with the new bike. I never had to stop for any technical problem and that is really important if you want to be constant. I love this bike and the whole team, they have helped me a lot!"

Tony has enjoyed a remarkable season on the new bike. He rode it to victory in its first ever appearance in the pre-season race at Star Mantova Italy and has continued to be in the forefront of the competition throughout the season.
The bike that was developed in close cooperation with 10-times world champion and Red Bull KTM’s team boss stefan Everts has proved itself to be a light and very agile rival to the more powerful MX1 450 machines.

Cairoli has so far won seven GPs and 13 of 26 individual motos in the 2010 season. He has only been off the podium on one occasion (at the GP of Germany when he finished in fourth place)

But securing the title two GPs before the end of the season was not a foregone conclusion on race day in Brazil. Mid race in the second moto when Cairoli was busy hunting down rival clement Desalle, he crashed and found himself back at fourth place. He then hit the gas and proceded to systematically register fastest times on the bumpy Brazilian track and to pick off the riders in front, including teammate Max Nagl. He had Desalle in his sights and everything pointed to a cliff hanger finish in the last lap when the Belgian’s bike stopped and he was out of the race. Tony charged through the chequered flag and was not completely aware that the title was his until he was mobbed by madly celebrating members of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team.

Sunday was a hard day at the office for Cairoli, who did not get away well at the start of the first moto and found himself stranded back at 14th place. He then put in a heroic ride to fight his was back into contention – which he did in his usual great style. As the race came down to the wire, it was clear that he would not catch fellow Italian David Philippaerts but Cairoli had his eyes on Desalle in second place and just managed to slip past him in the final run to the flag.

In another good day on the track for the Orange team, Max Nagl joined Tony on the podium in third place in the GP and Rui Goncalves finished in fifth overall, an excellent result for the rider who came back this season after serious shoulder surgery and has slowly but surely been gaining form on the track.

Rui Goncalves: "It is always good to race in Brazil because its like a second home GP for me. I was skick during the week and had to go on antibiotics so I would be able to race. today I fought hard to stay up front and I had two great races. this was my best GP so far. the speed is there and I can run with the best gusy," he said.

MX1 GP Results
  • 1, Tony Cairoli, Italy, KTM 22-25—47
  • 2, David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 25-22—47
  • 3, Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 18-20—38
  • 4. Steve Ramon, Belgium, Suzuki, 14-18—32
  • 5. Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM, 15-16—31
Championship standings
  • 1, Tony Cairoli, Italy, KTM, 578 points (MX1 World Champion with 2 GPs in hand)
  • 2, Clement Desalle, Belgium, 471
  • 3, David Philippaerts, Italy, Yamaha, 441
  • 4. Max Nagl, Germany, KTM, 420
  • 5. Steve Ramon, Belgium, 408
  • 12, Rui Goncalves, Portugal, KTM 208
Credits: KTM