Will Lommel become Jago Geerts' GP?
The Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 Team is back in full force for Round 14 of the FIM World Championship as Ben Watson returns from injury. The 14th round will take place this weekend on the legendary sand course in Lommel, which is also considered the toughest race in the world. Jago Geerts, the Balense teenager, is aiming for the podium for his own people (or who knows, even his first GP victory?
Geerts regained his third place in the world championship last week in the Czech Loket. A performance that boosted his self-confidence with a view to the GP in Lommel. The Belgian, who lives only 15 minutes from the circuit, enjoys having fun on the toughest track in the world. Teammate Watson is also one of the best sand riders in MX2, but it remains to be seen how strong he will be after his broken hand.
“It wouldn't be fair of us to immediately expect too much from Ben,” says team owner Hans Corvers. “He missed a few Grand Prix due to a broken hand and is therefore not yet at his best level. Two top 10s would be nice. Top 5 simply fantastic.”
Corvers is mainly looking in the direction of teenager Jago Geerts to put in a great performance. “Jago has had a great season so far. Everyone knows he's one of the fastest guys on the sand. To be honest, I'm not satisfied with anything less than the podium.”
There are only 2 kilometers between the workshop of the Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX50 Team in Genk and the GP track in Lommel. The team is presenting its own hospitality this weekend, where more than 200 VIPs are expected. “Our home GP is always something special. We have invited many guests and sponsors. People who have supported us for many years. Hopefully we can treat them to a nice Grand Prix and a very nice result.”
Jago Geerts, 3rd in the World Cup: “A home GP is always a little more special than all other competitions. I live barely 15 kilometers from the course in Lommel and a lot of friends and relatives will come to watch this weekend. Nice. And then you have the deep sand. My favorite surface. The harder the job becomes, the better I like it. I can't wait to be behind the starting gate. My fifth place in Loket last weekend was a mental boost after some difficult competitions. My goal in Lommel is clear: to try to get on that podium.”
Ben Watson, 8th in the World Championship: “It was damn difficult to sit at home and watch the GPs on television. I am really happy to be there again. I did two motorcycle training sessions this week and they went very well. So I'm going to Lommel with confidence. The pain in my hand has not completely gone away yet. I still have a little bit of pain, but that doesn't bother me while driving. I'm looking forward to Lommel, although I don't expect too much from it. I know it will be a very tough race. Fortunately, I am physically strong and I love riding in the sand. Now I mainly want to have fun with my comeback.”
Photos: Yamaha Racing, CDS, Bavo
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