Nunn up and down, Kovalainen consistent.

M J Church Kawasaki's Marko Kovalainen rode to a strong fifth overall at round four of the British Motocross Championship on Sunday, while his team mate Carl Nunn (pictured) ended the day at Hawkstone Park in Seventh after an up and down day.

Despite some mixed weather and results both riders in the Fiat Kobelco backed team improved on their championship positions at the spectacular Shropshire circuit.

Moto one saw Nunn fly out of the gate and move quickly into second place, but it was a short lived moto for the 23 year old, as he retired before completing the first lap, due to a problem with the bike.

"Unfortunately it was just bad luck for Carl in that race, he was having a problem with the throttle sticking and wouldn't of been able to continue, we have now rectified the problem and are positive he can salvage some good results through the day," said chief technician Paul Trevathan afterwards.

Kovalainen had started the first moto further down the field in around tenth place, but he pushed hard throughout the 25 minute moto to claim 6th place by the finish.

Moto two saw the 250cc Kawasaki of Kovalainen in third place, with team mate Nunn close behind in fifth after the first lap.

This time Nunn, from Bury St Edmunds, was suffering no problems and started to show his true form, as he quickly pushed through to fourth, and began to battle for third with Yoshi Atsuta. Nunn eventually lost the battle and had to settle for fourth.

Kovalainen who had been sticking with his team mate and the battle for third in the early part of the race, began to feel the strain at just over half distance and ended the moto with a satisfying seventh in the tough sand.

"Last week we did a lot of testing and I didn't have much rest, so I was getting a bit tired near the end of the races, but I am really pleased with my riding today and the bike is going really well, so all the work we did last week is really positive," Stated Kovalainen after moto two.

Both Kawasaki's were again near the front in the final moto of the day, and this time Nunn was really on form, and at mid race had began to close in on the leaders, but once again lady luck was not on his side, and a crash saw all his hard work in the opening laps disappear. The likeable rider eventually ended the race in fifth, taking seventh overall on the day.

"My British Championship campaign has been a bit up and down this season, but I am happy with my riding so hopefully I can get on the podium soon," claimed Nunn

Kovalainen took seventh in the final moto, and his consistent riding saw him fifth overall on the day. After a mostly positive day, Nunn moved to fifth in the championship and Kovalainen to ninth.