British bike constructor enjoys Qatar Moto2 success

BRITISH motorcycle racing constructor FTR celebrated clinching their first World Championship points at the opening round of the 2010 MotoGP season, when Spanish rider Alex Debon took second place in Sunday’s inaugural Moto2 Grand Prix.

Debon, riding for the Motor Sport 69 Team, came runner-up in the 20-lap race to give FTR's M210 machine a podium start to its 2010 campaign.

“Alex and the team have done an incredible job,” said FTR director Steve Bones. “Only six weeks ago Alex was laid in hospital having his collarbone pinned. But the team has worked really well, especially with the Ohlins suspension technician and Alex had a race setting that was good for all 20 laps.
 
FTR Moto also enjoyed another top 10 finish in the opening round as Hungarian Gabor Talmasci brought his Speed Up Team-developed M210 home in ninth place. His team-mate, Italian Andrea Iannone, finished 19th.

Bones concluded: “The opening round results are a real credit to everyone involved with the FTR Moto2 project, from all of our suppliers and commercial partners through to the teams and riders at the sharp end.

“We will get to work on further improving the Grand Prix machines and try to keep the momentum going in Japan in a fortnight and then the following week’s Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.”