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Josh Coppins has started his world championship campaign with a fighting sixth place at the Grand Prix of Spain.
The talented Kiwi expat was disappointed not to put his factory Corona Suzuki on the top-three podium, but is still well ahead of last year\'s opener from which he fought back to fourth at year end.
\"I started really well today and thought I was away but a couple of bad laps dropped me back to ninth.
\"Looking back I think I came in over-tense for this first race.\"
While other top riders crashed or faded in the blazing Spanish sun at Bellpuig near Barcelona, the Motueka-born pro racer gained strength through the 40-minute event and was within metres of passing the fifth place-getter at the end.
\"I should have been able to beat those fourth and fifth guys and get up with the front three,\" Coppins said. \"They\'re the three who beat me in the championship last year.
\"But I\'m underway now, the points are on the board and I will improve from here.\"
The 250 grand prix was won by Coppins\' Suzuki teammate Mickael Pichon of France from German Pit Beirer (Yamaha) and reigning world champion Fred Bolley (Honda, France).
Italian Claudio Federici and England\'s Paul Cooper brought their Yamaha motocrossers home ahead of Coppins.
Meanwhile Coppins\' young protege Ben Townley of Taupo finished his first ever grand prix, the 125 race, in 24th spot.
The Phase Suzuki rider, just 16, impressed observers to qualify yesterday and maintained his form to battle it out with hardened veterans through the race.
\"I learned an awful lot out there,\" said the lad who flew away from a School Cert year to prepare for his globe-trotting career.
\"I\'ve now got some idea how fit I have to be, how hard I have to go when in the race, and what it takes to last 40 minutes against these guys.
\"I could have pushed harder and risked a crash but I was determined to finish.\"
The 125 grand prix was won by Briton James Dobb on a KTM.
The 2001 season runs across Europe and out to Australia before the finale in September.
