KTM rider Bernd Hiemer of Germany extended his S1 championship lead on Sunday in a day of racing on the Busca circuit in Italy that was not without its drama.

Hiemer got away quite well in the first of two races and had not really settled into hsi rhythm as he was hotly pursued by title contender Thierry van den Bosch. The French rider made an attack on Hiemer in the seventh lap which knocked Hiemer down to fourth but after multiple viewings of the video material the Race Direction disqualified van den Bosch for what they described as an overly aggressive move. Official said the decision had been made in the interest of clean and fair racing. The incident vaulted Hiemers lead in the championship to 37 points advantage going into the second race. Hiemer said after the races that neither he nor KTM had lodged any protect concerning the incident. This was a decision from the FIM and the Race Direction, he said.
 
Second race red flagged

Drama continued in the second race, which was red flagged in the early stages after French rider Jerome Giraudo came off on the offroad section and had to be treated for injuries.  In the restarted race, van den Bosch came out on top which left Hiemer in third place overall and still in possession of the red number plate.

Because of the decision in the first race that left me with a good advantage in the points I decided to concentrate my efforts on trying to win the title and not take any particular risks in the second race, Bernd said. He finished in fourth place, adding another 18 points to his total for the day.
 
He now has 274 points ahead of van den Boschs 245 going into the final GP in Greece in two weeks time. Thomas Chareyre is in third place with 241 with Ivan Lazzarini on his heels with 238 in fourth. This all guarantees that the 50 points still up for grabs will be very hard fought in the final showdown
 
S1 Results Busca

1. Thomas Chareyre, France, Husqvarna 25—20—45
2. Ivan Lazzarini, Italy, Aprilia, 18-22-40
3. Bernd Hiemer, Italy, KTM, 18-22-40
4. Eddy Seel, Belgium, Suzuki, 16-16—32
5. Fabio Balducci, Italy, 15-15--30
 
Standings after seven of eight rounds (only one race in Austrian GP)

1. Bernd Hiemer, Germany, KTM 274
2. Thierry van den Bosch, France, 245
3. Thomas Chareyre, France, 241
4. Ivan Lazzarini, Italy, 238
5. Thomas Winstanley, Britain, 175