Imatranajo: First Practice Update

Imatranajo: First Practice Update

Ultra-warm weather greeted competitors for the opening practice sessions of the returning Bavaria Laakkonen Imatranajo road races.

Imatranajo newcomers including 21 times TT winner Michael Dunlop, were first on track before Open Supersport practice.

Setting the middleweight class pace was rising Dutch talent Jorn Hamberg (2.00.741), closely pursued by 69 plate holder Petr Najman.

Marek Cerveny, Pauli Pekkanen showed solid form as did Finnish roads debutant, twice TT winner Gary Johnson.

Timed Open Superbike practice followed, with the crème de la crème of IRRC 1000cc speedsters, thoroughly entertaining the enthusiastic crowd in attendance.

Vincent Lonbois set the pace, lapping at 1 minute 56.160 seconds, finishing only 0.037 ahead of local favourite Erno Kostamo.

Pierre Yves Bian, piloting the Markka Racing BMW, illustrated the form that’s taken him this year to North West 200 success and a top five TT finish, by placing an impressive third fastest.

Ville Valtonen, Markus Karlsson, Didier Grams respectively finished fourth, fifth, sixth quickest whilst Michael Dunlop having his first outing aboard the turquoise blue, black, white liveried Penz 13 Honda, was 15th fastest.

The following ICGP (International Classic Grand Prix)/Electric Superbike timed practice stint saw a Finnish 1-2-3 with Ari Lampinen heading fellow Countryman Timo Paavilainen and Reino Ijas.

IRRC Supersport, IRRC Superbike, Sidecar practice sessions are all coming up soon as racers aim to bank more miles ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying, race action.

Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou

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