Dylan Walsh steals the show in Mantova 3.0
The third consecutive and final MXGP round on the compact and spectacular Mantova circuit was an exciting end to an intense week in Lombardy for JM Honda Racing. For almost five laps, MXGP rookie Dylan Walsh demonstrated his talent in unparalleled fashion as he led the first moto.
Walsh rode to his best MXGP qualifying position to date, 15th, in the morning. A favorable omen would prove. Once again the handy New Zealander made a good start at the starting gate. Just behind the leaders, he entered the second corner to take the lead halfway through the first lap. The fast JM Honda Racing rider put in some stylish and consistent laps while being chased by Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans.
Dylan put on a fantastic show, although - understandably given the situation - he had difficulty keeping his emotions in check. Walsh pushed a little too hard and burned his clutch, forcing him to stop early. A rookie mistake, but given the immense pressure behind him and his relative lack of experience at the top level, certainly no damage. In just his second season at World Cup level, Walsh once again proved his potential in Mantova 3.0.
From 10th position at the start, Dylan rose to P8 in the second moto. However, a muscular block pass from Calvin Vlaanderen knocked him to the ground, meaning he was only the last to be able to continue. The #53 JM Honda Racing driver eventually finished 15th and thus collected 6 World Championship points. Although Artem Guryev is getting closer to his top-20 goal, he unfortunately had to settle for two thankless 21st places today. His 22nd position in the final standings was his best result of the season so far.
Both JM Honda Racing drivers are looking forward to racing again next weekend in Spain. Then the Motocross World Championship will land for the first time at the brand new Circuito Internacional Comunidad de Madrid, in intu Xanadú-Arroyomolinos.
Dylan Walsh: “On paper, Mantova 3.0 was not my best of our three races here. But it was actually a very good step in the right direction! I led for the first 11 minutes of the first heat, but unfortunately I got a little too excited, made a few rookie moves and put my clutch through. The second moto also started promisingly in the top 10, I went through to P8, but unfortunately I was knocked to the ground. From the last position I came back to 15th place. We learned a lot today, I can't wait to see where we stand in the next GPs.”
Artem Guryev: “I had a small crash in the first moto where my gear lever got bent. That's why I had to go to the pit lane, which cost me a lot of time. In the second moto I had a good pace for the first ten minutes. I was 18th when I made a mistake, I lost some positions but was just outside the top 20. I tried to get back into my position as quickly as possible, but I crashed quite heavily. Not the result we had hoped for today, but my speed is improving and I am getting closer to the World Championship points.”
Photos: shotbyBavo
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