Organized within the small Hezarfen airport, thirty kilometers west of Istanbul, the event was a great success on a sporting as well as a promoter’s side and most of the paddock appreciated and enjoyed the new venue.

There was a dramatic crash on Saturday for the MX2 qualifying race, as a group of riders including Frenchman Steven Frossard (Team CLS) collided in the second corner.

Team-mate Loic Rombaut had less trouble as he collected the holeshot, and led one lap before American Zach Osborne passed him.

Loic never gave up and scored a career qualifying best of fifth position while Steven came back from last to nineteenth. Current points leader Paulin was the best Kawasaki representative with second place.

It was windy and cold on Sunday when the forty riders came to the gate; Osborne grabbed the holeshot but led for just two laps, as Paulin made a move during the third circulation to lead the entire moto.

Posting the fastest lap Gautier was the sole Kawasaki representative to finish race one, as Steven Frossard – rear brake damaged – and Loic Rombaut – crash – both retired.

The second start was much worst for Paulin, who struggled through the opening lap and entered the thirty five minutes plus two lap period only nineteenth.

The World Championship leader had his toughest race so far, battling all the way to the flag to save some points and his red plate; coming back to seventh position he ended the GP as runner-up behind Osborne, just in front of Musquin, his current main rival. While Rombaut retired after another crash, Steven Frossard unveiled a strong race coming back from thirteenth to third, right behind Osborne and Musquin.

Gautier Paulin

‘My first jump from the gate was not so great, but I found some good lines during the first lap and I got the lead after a while. Then I controlled the gap with Vongsana in second position; it was a good race. Unfortunately I messed-up my second start, I did a wheelie on the starting line and lost too many positions during the first lap. I came back to seventh. I tried to pass as many riders as I could but that was difficult; as soon as they saw the red plate, some riders became crazy and tried to push me on the ground. Osborne is the fourth rider who has won a heat this season, the championship will be open and I will go on Thursday to Belgium to prepare for Valkenswaard. I have practiced and worked on the sand this winter but it’s time to adapt the bike to the track. Our goal will be the same, we want to keep the red plate.’

Steven Frossard

‘ I was involved in the first corner pile-up during the qualifying race and then I got a bad position on the grid. The first start was not so bad; I found some good lines to come to third behind Osborne when I lost the rear brake and was unable to stop the bike in a corner. During the second heat I came quickly from thirteenth to third, then I came up behind Osborne and Musquin but I needed just one more lap to pass them both. Third is not so bad, I confirmed that I have the speed and the physical condition to make a podium but I’m still waiting for it!’