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~I FIM SuperMoto World Championship Round 4: Karntenring Circuit sup~m~rd osch e f(he ~renchman l5 un~efeate~, 50 far all. The pole position went to the Belgian former world motocross competitor Gerald Delephine, who took his factory Vertemati to first spot on the starting grid. The race format of two semifinals, a last chance and a main event was adapted to the situation (no dirt) and, with shorter laps (of 44 seconds only), they added some laps (from 12 to 15 for the semi and from 20 to 30 for the final). The first semi saw Delepine dominate, challenged by Frenchman William Rubio only at the final stages. The second semi featured a great battle between Van Den Bosch, Manzo, Eddy SeeI and Boris Chambon. The series leader prevailed, but was tested by his competitors, especially Manzo, who got the lead for a few laps. The last-chance STORV AND PHOTOS BV MARIO MARINI KARNTENRlNG, AUSTRIA, ocr. 13 here is no doubt anymore, the completely new SuperMoto World Championship has found its star. French rocket Thierry Van Den Bosch has dominated the first four rounds of the series on his beautiful works KTM, including the last round, in Austria at the Karntenring Circuit Uust meters from the world MX track, actuaJJy located on part of its parking area), and Van Den Bosch accomplished his mission even though he got challenged pretty intensively by the Italian specialist Max Manzo aboard his factory Husqvarna. Even though rain falling down the days before the race forced the promoter to cut the dirt section, the track was really well shaped, and the absence of the off-road segment didn't compromise the show. Paved downhills and uphills provided a lot of fun, and the riders didn't complain at T race allowed German Jorgen Kunzel to be into the final. The 30-lap final moto was a neverending fight. Delepine, from his pole position, got the holeshot, but his lead didn't last. Just seconds after the start, Van Den Bosch attacked and got the lead, followed closely by Manzo, Chambon and Kinigadner. Delepine lost ground immediately due to the pressure of starting from the first spot. Manzo spent most of the race studying Van Den Bosch's moves, and at every straight or corner he probed to see where Van Den Bosch might be vulnerable. After many attacks, the Italian discovered that the super-fast uphill chicane was the only place where the Frenchman wasn't as confident and aggressive, so he didn't think a second when he saw a little door open. Manzo performed an aggressive pass that left Van Den Bosch astonished behind him. The race at that point appeared to be over, as Manzo escaped. The remaining nine laps appeared as though they would be a mere formality. But just three laps later, Manzo's Husky's front wheel washed out, and he tasted the ground, fortunately without consequences. Van Den Bosch had no other choice than to take advantage of Manzo's accident, and Van Den Bosch safely crossed the finish line under the checkered flag. Right behind him finished a rejuvenated (he is coming from an injured shoulder) Chambon, followed by Kunzel, Kinigadner and Rubio. Delepine managed to get only a seventh, but still a result good enough to keep his second place in the provisional standings. Manzo salvaged 10th place. Karntenring Circuit Karntenring, Austria Results: Octaber 13, ZOD2 [Round 4 at ]1 SUPERMOTO GP FINAL (30 lap.): I. Thierry Von Den Bosch (KTM); 2. Boris Chombon (Hu.); 3. Jorgen Kunzei (KTM): 4. Klaus Kinigodner (KTM): 5. William Rubio (Hus); 6. Hannes Maxwald (KTM); 7. Gerald Delepine (Ver); 8. Alexandre Thiebault (Han); 9. Ivan Lazzarini (Yam); 10. Max MDnzo (Hus); t 1. Jens Hoinbach (Hbg); 12. Gerold Wortbichler (KTM); 13. Gerold SchoUor (Hon); 14. Sylvoin Page (Hus); 15. Enzo Ermondi (Vom); 16. Robert Ulm (Hon); 17. David Gozzini (Hus); 18. Stephene Blot (Hus); 19. Peter Vorticek (KTM); 20. Lorenzo Mariani (Vor); 21. Jean-Marc: Gaillard (Hon); 22. Jerome GinnJdo (Ver); 23. Kurt NicoU (KTM); 24. Eddy Seel (Hus). Upcoming Round: Round 5 - Cuneo, Italy, October 20 BRIEFLY••• Superstar Thierry Van Den Bosch is rumored to be moving to the World Supersport Cham· pionship in 2003. while Boris Chambon may have already signed a factory KTM contract to sub· stitute for him. Former World MX Champ Andrea Bartolini did not race at Karntenring because he was in Italy at the last National MX Championship round. Because there was too much rain this year for the Austrian Supermoto. next year the calen· dar will be changed and there will be less races in autumn. The Austrian round. for example. will happen in Juiy. Another probable change should bring more action to the Supermoto. as another class may be added to fill the downtime between motos in the current format. 36 OCTOBER 30, 2002· cue I e n eo _ •