DAVID PHILIPPAERTS:
7 out of 10
He won the first moto of the first GP showing straight away he'd be one of the contenders for the title. Soon after, there were problems within the KTM MX2 team and David's performances started to vacillate. Gorge Job was the one to mend the situation providing new motivation and stability for David. From the Belgian GP onwards David started making mistakes both due to his rush and his inexperience; for example during the GP of Holland where he was in the lead when he saw the yellow flag and because he put on the brakes to harshly he fell badly.
Anyway David gained a well deserved third place and he's the first KTM rider and next year he'll move on to MX1.
TYLA RATTRAY:
6 out of 10
The South African started the season with the odds in his favor and he had a great beginning of season by winning the first three GPs.
During the GP of Japan, he fell and badly hurt his right shoulder. This problem hampered the whole season for the KTM rider; from that point on Tyla alternated fantastic performances, like the double victory he pulled off in Ireland, with mediocre performances. Even though he managed to win 4 GPs, Tyla took 4th place overall, which is disappointing for somebody who was predicted to be one of the favorites.
MARC dE REUVER
5 out of 10
De Reuver had a season similar to his teammate's ( Rattray ); for the first couple of GPs, Marc was doing very well, always scoring points and staying consistent. He won the GP of Bulgaria and then he fell into oblivion, with a series of performances that featured many mistakes, possibly because of inadequate training, which always made him look as though he didn't have any stamina. The announcement of his transfer to the MX1 class with the Rinaldi Team for the 2007 season has taken the motivation from the Dutchman instead of giving him new inspiration. It has to be said that finally after many injuries this has been the first whole season that he's raced.
CARL NUNN:
5.5 out of 10
The English rider is the last of the KTM factory riders, he's been on the podium only once this year despite the good starts he's shown he's capable of. Unfortunately for him, he was always reeled in by the rest of the riders. If we were to analyze his whole performance, this year's final 6th place is an improvement compared to his overall 8th position in 2005.
Anyhow it hasn't been an encouraging season.
TOMMY SEARLE:
7 out of 10
He's without a shadow of a doubt the surprise of this season and he well deserves the title "Rookie of the year," thanks to 2 placements on the podium and in fact the KTM team has re-signed him for the 2007 season.
RUI GONCALVES:
7 out of 10
There's been a big improvement in this young Portuguese's performances. Fantastic starts are now his strong point. He's always ready to battle and does not give anything away to anyone. We can in fact say that he's one of the toughest in this class. Good training this winter might turn him into one of the main contenders of next season.