This was the weekend of the MXGP rookies!
In Argentina there were a number of new faces who made their appearance in the MXGP paddock. In the MX2 class there were three names that had never been on the starting list of a GP before, while in the MXGP only one new permanent pilot appeared at the start. We followed how their debut went and are happy to share our findings with you.
MX2
Tom Vialle: 8/10
This young Frenchman immediately attracted the spotlight on Saturday by battling for a good second place for a long time, and on Sunday he was also at the front twice. Unfortunately for Vialle, we also have to say that he also fell back twice to seventh and eighth place respectively. Still, Vialle finished seventh overall and one homeshot behind his name, we look back with satisfaction on his GP debut, and we are curious to see how he will develop further this season.
Mikkel Haarup: 6/10
In the qualifying race, Haarup managed to finish in a respectable thirteenth place, proving that he certainly has the speed. Unfortunately for the young Dane, he made too many mistakes on Sunday, which meant he was mainly forced to struggle at the back of the field. With a final score of 20-22 and only one point, the weekend may not have been what it was supposed to be for the talented Haarup.
Mitchel Evans: 9/10
Mitchel Evans was perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend after Jeremy Van Horebeek. The fast Australian already finished in sixth place in qualifying. Although it was mainly with his third place in race 2 (and therefore also third place overall) that he showed he had the potential to perhaps become the revelation of the MX2 World Championship at the age of twenty. Wondering whether Evans can also extend this line in the British Matterley Basin.
MXGP
Paul's Jonass: 7/10
For a long time it was uncertain whether Jonass would start in Argentina or not. Ultimately, Jonass turned out to be fit again just in time to make his MXGP debut, although he appeared to have problems with the transition to the heavier 450cc machine, especially in qualifying. On Sunday, Jonass managed to turn the dial in the right direction and with a tenth place overall he can certainly look back on his debut weekend with hope.
Text: Dieter Jans
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