MSC Drehna presented a new track layout for the anniversary season of the ADAC MX Masters. By reversing the direction of travel, changing the jumps and adding various other technical elements, such as more bumpy sections, organisers have given a fresh look to the Rund um den Mühlberg circuit which now provides something new for spectators at the 1,650 metre long deep, sandy track - better vantage points and a more demanding track for the motocrossers. All of which turned even Saturday's qualifying session into a real challenge for many of the 212 riders from more than 25 countries. The second corner after the start in particular is now made even more difficult by a steep drop and a chance to take to the skies immediately thereafter.

Russian rider Timur Muratov (KTM GST Berlin / Garin MX Sports) clinched pole position in the Masters class. He took the chequered flag with a lead of one and a half seconds on Frenchman Sébastien Pourcel (KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and so gets first choice of a place at the starting gate in Sunday's race. Visibly elated, he said: "I like sandy tracks best. I've trained a lot on tracks like this lately and feel really at ease here in Fürstlich Drehna." His French rival was equally pleased with his qualifying result. According to him, he had neither put in 100 per cent effort nor was his bike properly set up, but still managed to impress despite having a very strong field to his rear. "I'm definitely brimming with self confidence, which makes me mentally strong for the points-scoring race on Sunday. I was aiming for a place in the top five right from the start and that's what I've achieved. The season could hardly have begun better for me," said the 29-year-old.

ADAC MX Youngster Cup

In the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, Dutchman Calvin Vlaanderen (KTM Bodo Schmidt Motorsports) finished with a lead of more than two seconds on second fastest rider Stephan Büttner (Team Yamaha Motor Germany) to secure first place in qualifying. "I'm very excited about the changes to the track, as it has much more flow than the old one and is now much more demanding thanks to the terrific, new jumps," said the 17-year-old. However, this first fixture at his home track did not go at all satisfactorily for local rider Nico Adler (Kalli-Racing Team, KTM). The 15-year-old finished way down in 27th place and also failed to qualify for Sunday's event via the Last Chance Race later in the afternoon. Feeling quite down, he said: "I have to admit, things were tougher today than I'd ever imagined. It was probably just not meant to be, which I find a great shame."

ADAC MX Junior Cup

The Finn Kim Savaste (KTM Red Bull Factory) repeated his fine performance from last season in the ADAC MX Junior Cup to take first place in qualifying. "I'm delighted to come home in P1 today. This new track is indeed a bit nerve-wracking and I'm not all that keen on long jumps, so it's not easy for me here in Fürstlich Drehna," said the 14-year-old. His toughest rival from last year, ADAC MX Junior Cup champion Glen Meier (KTM Kosak Racing) has now moved up a class but Kim still has more strong competition in 2014. Italian Gianluca Facchetti (Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe) placed second in qualifying and is considered to be Europe's latest exceptionally talented young rider. He has only one thing in his sights in this year's ADAC MX Masters, the title. "I'm not frightened of the opposition. I'm not all that bad a rider myself and know what I can do," said the 14-year-old.

Programme

Apart from the main attraction, MSC Drehna also has a varied programme for young and old. Children under 15 get in free and can use the ADAC Young Generation Suzuki Quad track and the ADAC Accident Insurance bouncy castle. Adults pay 15 euros for admission to the event on Sunday and can enjoy a quiet stroll along a fan zone with stalls selling motocross gear. As usual, an autograph session with the top riders will be held on Sunday. This weekend, Dennis Ullrich (KTM Sarholz Racing Team), Sébastien Pourcel (FRA / KTM Sarholz Racing Team), Marcus Schiffer (Team Suzuki Waldmann), Nicolaj Larsen (DEN / KMP Honda Repsol Racing) and Dominique Thury (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) will make themselves available to fans in the ADAC Truck from 12.15-12.45.