HP motor racing, Roppen-Tyrol, A

The Austrian off-road elite and top international riders came together for the second round of the ACC in the Alpine quarry of Roppen/Tyrol.

This rock-hard desert terrain revealed who still had control over their bike after two hours.

BMW team rider Simo Kirssi guided the HP2 with virtuoso skill and at breakneck speed through loose gravel and across countless steep climbs and descents, all scattered with boulders the size of footballs.

Once again the flat twin BMW showed its potential against the powerful single cylinder competition.

Starting from fifth position, Simo worked his way to the front and during the last half fought against last year´s winner Bernie Walzer for third place.

In the end, the Finn on the BMW HP2 Enduro had the endurance required - a small error by Walzer on the last lap cleared the way for Kirssi to gain a more than deserved 3rd podium position, behind Rudi Pöschl and Daniel Stocker on KTM.

Kirssi is now in second position in the ACC overall rankings after several of his rivals had problems with the circuit in Roppen and championship defender Thomas Günther/Germany was forced to give up with a deep cut wound in his face.

The trend is definitely upwards: the next HP2 racing appearance is next weekend at the second GCC race in Walldorf, then there is the legendary Erzberg 2-cylinder race.