Northern Ireland’s Martin Barr (REVO Husqvarna UK) extended his lead in the EMX250 championship with a solid fourth in today’s opening 25-minute plus two lap moto at the MXGP of Latvia at Kegums.
The 30-year-old started fifth, picked up a place on lap three and then maintained position for the rest of the race to stretch his advantage at the top of the table to six points over France’s Mathys Boisrame (Honda) who moves into second after snatching the race win with two laps to go.
Estonian Kanel Kutsar (KTM) was second ahead of Gianluca Facchetti (KTM) from Italy with Barr next across the line, 17 seconds adrift of the winner.
In a championship where consistency is key, Barr’s team-mate Mel Pocock – who was disqualified from the opening race in Russia – came home fifth and the 2012 champion is now tied on points with Boisrame.
Flying the flag for two-stroke fans, James Dunn (GL12 Racing KTM) brought his 250cc stroker home in a fantastic sixth from Mikkel Haarup (Husqvarna), Kevin Horgmo (KTM), Dylan Walsh (Husqvarna) and Karlis Sabulis (Yamaha).
Steven Clarke (Carglass Honda), who won the second race in Russia last time out, started outside the top 20 and could only improve to 19th at the flag and Todd Kellett (Verde Substance) KTM was 27th after ending the first lap dead last in 38th.
The EMX125 opening moto was won by Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) from Raivo Dankers (KTM) and championship leader Rene Hofer (KTM). Best Brit was world 85cc champion Eddie Jay Wade in 11th.