PR: Kemea Yamaha looks ahead to Argentina
After several months of hard work, a lot of testing and three preparation races, the real work can begin: the MX2 World Championship. First stop for Kemea Yamaha this weekend: the Argentinian Neuquen, a city in the north of the beautiful Patagonia, where it is currently about 28 degrees.
Kemea Yamaha has now grown into one of the top teams in the lightest class. With Benoit Paturel, the Belgian team finished third in the World Cup in 2016 and last year the Frenchman also gave the team its first GP victory. Great performances that leave you wanting more. But Paturel had to leave Kemea because the age rule forced him to move to the MXGP. In addition, the agreements with Brent Van Doninck and Avin Ostlund were not extended. In their place came Vsevolod Brylyakov (22), Ben Watson (20) and Jago Geerts (17). “So you can safely speak of a new start,” says team owner Hans Corvers, who remains just as ambitious. “Brylyakov is lightning fast and works hard. Hopefully the Russian, who comes back from a long way after a serious shoulder injury, will have luck on his side. He still has to grow during the season, but should be able to fight for the top three. Watson was the talent in the youth series. But so far this has not happened with the 'big boys'. He has a lot of potential, it's up to us to bring that out. Top 8 should be possible for Ben. Finally, Geerts is above all a man for the future. He is only 17 and also combines sports with studies. 2018 is a learning year for Jago. Although I can see our youngest rider finishing in the top 10 here and there.”
In the preliminary races, the Kemea riders' results were solid, with a handful of top 10 places. “A positive observation: their performance was on the rise,” said team manager Marnicq Bervoets. “Hopefully they continue that trend.”
Vesevolod Brylyakov: “I am especially happy to be a motocross rider again. I have come a very long way after the serious shoulder injury I sustained last year in Valkenswaard (April 23, 2017). Since then it has been a hell of a trip. I am extremely grateful to Kemea Yamaha for this unique opportunity. It's my first time in a factory team. Everything has been arranged down to the last detail. I hope I can thank the whole team for great results. Although I realize that I have not yet reached my top level. I have to grow in the season. My ambition? I suffered a lot with that shoulder, my rehabilitation was very long and difficult. I didn't put in all those efforts to be satisfied with a second or third place. I want to win."
Ben Watson: “My results in the preparation races were decent, but not great. Not a big deal, because I mainly focused on the driving itself, less on the rankings. Conditionally I have never been as strong as I am now and my Yamaha is a gem. That creates a lot of confidence. Of course, there is still work to be done. My starts urgently need to improve. However, that used to be one of my weapons. My goal? Become much more regular. Last season I had too many ups and downs. Those downs must be kept to a minimum. If I can do that, I should at least make the top 10. In addition, I am also aiming for my first GP podium this year.”
Jago Geerts: “I'm quite satisfied with my preparation. I have had a very good winter with a lot of training and, above all, no injuries. The adjustment to my new team and new bike also went smoothly. The first race in Riola Sardo was a bit disappointing, but things went a lot better in Hawkstone Park and Lacapelle. I am really looking forward to the first Grand Prix in Argentina. Also my first overseas GP. In this way I am also introduced to the phenomenon of jet lag at once. Although 2018 is a learning year for me, I still want to achieve solid results. During the course of the season I want to regularly enter the top 10. And in between I also want my diploma in electrical and electronics
Marnicq Bervoets, team manager: “With a completely new line-up, 2018 is definitely a new start for us. I am therefore very curious about this World Cup. The preparation went quite well. The Yamaha is in perfect condition, the riders are very satisfied with their bike. The results were not great, but decent. On the positive side, our three boys made progress week after week. The Superfinal in Lacapelle was especially strong. That is promising, it should give them extra confidence. It is important, because sometimes they doubt themselves too much. In Argentina, a very fast track, it is very important to be at the front straight away, to get that high pace straight away.”
Photos: Yamaha
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