Paturel is not giving up the 2017 title yet…
Kemea Yamaha rider Benoit Paturel is optimistic about his final season in the MX2 class of the FIM Motocross World Championship. On the eve of his home Grand Prix in Ernee, France this weekend, the #6 spoke of a resurrection during the second series in Teutschenthal, Germany, where he took second place last weekend and was able to work his way back into the leading group of the 250 class.
Unfortunately, Paturel's title hopes may have been dashed during the first heat at the Talkessel circuit when he retired from the eighth race of the MX2 World Championship with mechanical problems.
“It is important to regain some confidence and grow to my best level to be able to duel with the boys at the front. That's where my place is too.” He says. Paturel took a good second place in the opening race in Qatar after a fantastic battle with Red Bull KTM rider Pauls Jonass. But hasn't been anywhere near the podium since then due to missed starts and mistakes. He is currently fifth in the championship, 105 points behind leader Jonass.
“I certainly shouldn't think about the championship now, because I'm too far behind,” he admits. “I just have to get back to riding at my best level and enjoy it again. In motocross it's never done until the end of the season. I believe in myself and my work, and we'll see where we end up.”
Statistics support Paturel's positive outlook. In the MX2 class, twice in the last three seasons, the decision has only been made in the last series of the last Grand Prix. The very well organized and supported Kemea Yamaha team is struggling with competitiveness against the KTM and Husqvarna teams that currently dominate the holeshots. “The team is also working hard to find a solution,” Paturel wants to say. “But we are now only looking ahead.”
Original: Adam Wheeler – ontrackoffroad.com – Dutch Version: @Kris…
Photo: @shotbybavo/CDS
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