Xavier Boog gave the 2012 KX450F-SR a stunning debut in the French GP at St Jean D'Angely as he narrowly missed the podium after two strong rides.
The 23 year old made a good start in the opening moto and was soon putting pressure on the rider in 4th place, but the first three had already made good their escape before he could dispose of the other rider initially ahead of him. Hopes of an even stronger showing in race two were dented in the chase to turn one when he found himself the first ten and after quickly charging to 9th, Xavier took a tumble which cost him four places, a slip which undoubtedly cost him a place on the podium as he remounted to again show his refound speed as he advanced six places again before the chequered flag.
Teammate Jonathan Barragan had also shown good speed during the practice sessions, but the Spaniard never settled into a rhythm after a poor start and could finish a mere 15th. He proved his own potential and that of the 2012 Kawasaki in race two as he held down a solid 6th place at the finish of the second gruelling 40 minute race.
Xavier Boog: "A crash cost me the overall podium, but it was a good weekend. I found a good rhythm and rode two strong races; in the first one I had a good start; maybe I didn't believe enough in myself to stay with the first three riders. My second start was not quite as good, then after ten minutes I had a crash which cost me four positions; my lap times were good and I managed to come all the way back from thirteenth to seventh, which was pretty good. I had a good feeling on the 2012 model which we used this weekend and I feel I showed my real speed for the first time in a GP this season."
Jonathan Barragan: "The first race was difficult for me, as I had a bad start and then didn't find the good lines. The second one was much better; I had a good speed and after a good start I got a top six result, which is my best performance since Bulgaria. I enjoyed riding the new model, and I hope to come closer to a podium in Portugal or Spain."
François Lemariey: "We were really close to collect our second podium of the season with Xavier, until he made a small mistake. But for us the main thing is that this weekend we saw another Xavier! He raced this GP without pressure, and shows everyone how fast he can be; it's perfect for him and great for the team, we're sure he will be soon on the podium. For Jonathan it was more difficult, he did a strong second race but during the first one he had a bad start and struggled. Let's hope that he will be happier in his home GP."
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