Motocross

Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager Praises Todd Waters Double Championship Podium

Author: Aaryn Minerds

Posted:

Monday, February 17th, 2014

7:18 PM

Husqvarna Motorcycles have ended the three-round Internazionale d‰ÛªItalia Series on a high with Australian Todd Waters claiming third overall in both the MX1 and Elite championship standings despite a mixed day at the final round at Montevarchi, Italy.

Continuing his impressive pre Grand Prix form, Red Bull Ice One Husqvarna Factory Racing's, Waters capped off the Internazionale d‰ÛªItalia Series with sixth and seventh place results, ensuring an impressive third overall in both the MX1 and Elite final championship classifications.

Building on his strong run of form at the previous round in Noto, Waters placed a solid sixth in the opening MX1 race. Looking to better his result in the combined MX1/MX2 Elite class, Waters suffered a poor start and was forced to fight his way through the pack at Montevarchi. Battling back to seventh at the chequered flag ‰ÛÒ while setting lap times that matched the race leaders.

‰ÛÏI‰Ûªm so pleased to see Todd finish third overall in both the MX1 and Elite championships." Team Manager of Red Bull Ice One Husqvarna Factory Racing, Antti PyrhÌ¦nen commented. "He‰Ûªs worked hard throughout this short series so to come away with a double podium result is incredibly rewarding.

"In the final round he had a little bit of bad luck but he never gave up fighting and that was important to see," PyrhÌ¦nen added.

Todd Waters will now focus on the opening round of the 2014 MXGP Championship in Qatar on the 1st of March - Credit: IceOne Racing

Waters also finished the series in front of his experienced team-mate, Tyla Rattray who had day of mixed fortunes in Montevarchi. Ninth fastest in qualification the South African was hit by a flying rock in the MX1 race, cutting his little finger as he raced through the pack.

Soldiering on despite some discomfort Rattray placed seventh to end the MX1 championship in fourth overall. With a fourth placed result also secured in the Elite classification Rattray opted not to compete in the mixed capacity Elite race.

"Unfortunately Tyla got hit with a rock during the MX1 race." PyrhÌ¦nen explained. "Despite some obvious discomfort he rode on to finish the race and secure fourth overall in the series.

"Opting not to race the final moto was the right decision as it‰Ûªs important to stay healthy for the first round of the FIM World Motocross Championship in Qatar in a couple of weeks time.‰Û