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Motocross sensation Josh Coppins has grabbed a great third spot in qualifying for today\'s penultimate round of the world 250 champs.
The fast-rising young New Zealand expat blasted the Talkessel circuit, a twisting 1.85km ribbon of track at Teutschenthal near Halle south of Berlin, to give his Suzuki Corona team a 1-3 in the Saturday session.
It\'s a fillip for Motueka-born Coppins as he looks to consolidate his third spot overall in the title hunt. His nearest challenger, German Pit Beirer, has qualified sixth on his Kawasaki.
Top qualifier is Coppins\' teammate, controversial Frenchman Mickael Pichon who lost the title lead last round to compatriot Fred Bolley who has put his Honda into fifth qualifying spot.
A good showing in tonight\'s two moto legs of this German Grand Prix would virtually wrap up Coppins\' third spot overall, with just the Swiss round remaining next weekend - a stunning showing for the 23-year-old whose goal at season start was the top five.
Qualifying:
1 Mickael Pichon 2min 02.346sec;
2 Mickael Maschio (France) Kawasaki 02:02.662;
3 Josh Coppins 02:02.936;
4 Yves Demaria (France) Yamaha 02:03.327;
5 Fréd Bolley 02:03.345;
6 Pit Beirer 02:03.881.
