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Russia in MotoGP: Vladimir Leonov makes debut ride

Qatar Gran Prix, the first overnight MotoGP race, was held in Losail on April 12.

As reported earlier, Russia’s Vladimir Leonov was part of the German team Viessmann Kiefer Racing riding his Aprilia RW 250.

Making his sixth turn, Vladimir was unlucky and rode into a puddle, ending up with a highside. Yet this failed to set the Russian rider back and he was able to continue the race straight away. For more than half the race Vladimir came in last, and then managed to make a passing at the next to last circle and end up at number 18. The audience was constantly clapping their hands to support Vladimir throughout the whole race.

Despite the unpleasant occurrence, this sure was a great debut for the Russian pilot in MotoGP!

Just to add, Vladimir Leonov wasn’t injured; the equipment protected him, and he himself looked very positive. “I still can’t believe that this is all true,” Vladimir said, smiling right after the race.

Born on April 26, 1987 in Donetsk, the Rostov region (Russia), Vladimir Leonov currently lives in Moscow. He loves motocross, mountain skiing, snowboarding, jogging, music, and bicycles. He has been involved in moto sport activities since the impressive age of 12. At the age of 14, Vladimir participated in the Championship of Russia with his 80cc bike. In 2004, he received the amateur motocross Russian Cup in the under 125cc class. A mere year later, in 2005, he received the Cup in the under 250cc class. Since late 2006, Vladimir has been a member of the Vector Racing Team and participated in the Superstock 600 class. Several MotoGP teams noticed Vladimir’s impressive results. Ultimately, this all made it possible for Vector Racing Team to strike a deal with Viessmann Kiefer Racing, allowing Vladimir Leonov to be part of it in MotoGP 2009, class 250cc.

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