MX2: Paulin takes first world MX2 win at Faenza

Gauthier Paulin battled the conditions and the rest of the world’s best motocross riders to take his first world XM2 moto in the 2009 season opener from Faenza, Italy. 

The Frenchman, Paulin made up for an unlucky qualifying on Saturday, completing an unexpected move on previous leader Jeremy Van Horebeek and passed him with just two laps to go. Van Horebeek tried to fight back but settled for second. 

Another French rider, Marvin Musquin of Team NGS finished third. All three made their first trip to world championship podium. Musquin worked his way through the field after a stop in the pit lane to change his gloves.

Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci Motocross Team’s Davide Guarneri rode to fourth, with the weather conditions reminding of the last year’s GP win at wet Bellpuig. Roelants and Lupino rounded off the top five. Early leader Tarroux lost vital time when he got blocked in an uphill and ended 18^th.
 

MX2 Race 1 top ten: 1. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Kawasaki), 42:22.467; ; 2. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), +0:38.206; 3. Marvin Musquin (FRA, Honda), +1:41.397; 4. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 5. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), -1 lap(s); 6. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 7. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, Suzuki), -2 lap(s); 9. Valentin Teillet (FRA, KTM), -2 lap(s); 10. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), -3 lap(s)

MX2 Overall top ten: 1. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Kawasaki), 25 points; 2. Jeremy van Horebeek (BEL, KTM), 22 p.; 3. Marvin Musquin (FRA, Honda), 20 p.; 4. Davide Guarneri (ITA, Yamaha), 18 p.; 5. Joel Roelants (BEL, KTM), 16 p.; 6. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Yamaha), 15 p.; 7. Nicolas Aubin (FRA, Yamaha), 14 p.; 8. Marco Maddii (ITA, Suzuki), 13 p.; 9. Valentin Teillet (FRA, KTM), 12 p.; 10. Jake Nicholls (GBR, KTM), 11 pts.