First double podium ever for KEMEA!
Two series victories and for the first time two riders on the podium (Geerts 2nd, Watson 3rd). Round 13 of the FIM MX2 World Championship, in the deep sands of Lommel, proved to be a historic race for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team.
The day started well for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. Geerts took pole position on the toughest circuit in the world, while teammate Watson clocked the fourth fastest time.
Both drivers immediately capitalized on their good starting position in the first series. Watson entered the first corner on his YZ250FM in second, between Vialle and his teammate. Unfortunately, Geerts made a mistake in the first round. He slid down the front and hit the ground. The Balenian fell from third to eighth place. Watson, meanwhile, put a lot of pressure on Vialle. The two leaders were joined again four laps later by a chasing Geerts. But not for long. A lap later the Belgian crashed again, in a similar manner to earlier in the series. While Geerts had to fight back from seventh place once again, Watson shifted up a gear. The Briton took the lead after a clever maneuver past Vialle. Ben kept a high pace, but Vialle refused to let go. The Frenchman even came back within a second and a half, but Watson remained icy calm and took the very first series victory in his career. Geerts needed some time to recover after his second fall, but was still able to move up a few spots in the final phase and finished fourth.
Another series victory
The start of the second heat was almost a copy of the opening heat, with the two Monster Energy Yamaha Factory riders right behind Vialle. Only difference: the Yamahas had switched places with Geerts in second and Watson in third. However, the Briton made a mistake on the second lap, was thrown over his handlebars and dropped from third to eighth place. Geerts took over the lead on the fifth lap, after a nicely executed maneuver on Vialle. The Balenian had to keep working hard for that leading position because the Frenchman was breathing down his neck until the end. However, Jago remained cool and won the second series, good for second place in the Grand Prix. Geerts was joined on that stage by teammate Ben Watson. The Briton recovered well after his early crash and passed several more strong sand riders to finish fifth in the second series and third in the GP.
Iron
The first of three races in Lommel was one for the history books for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. The team, led by Hans Corvers and Marnicq Bervoets, celebrated its first double podium since entering the World Cup in 2012. “I am proud of my boys,” says team owner Hans Corvers. “Two series victories and two riders on the podium together for the first time. In Belgium that is. That makes it extra special. One downside: we missed out on the GP victory. Wednesday maybe…”
#193 Jago Geerts
“The circuit was tough and difficult. I also didn't really feel good on my bike in the first heat and made two small but costly mistakes. We made some adjustments for the second series. I felt a lot better, but not yet 100 percent. Still, I was able to win that series and finish second in the GP. I can't really be satisfied with that. Fortunately, I still have chances to go for that win on Wednesday and Sunday. I feel strong conditionally and am sure that we will find the right setting by Wednesday.”
#919 Ben Watson
“My first series win ever. A fantastic feeling. I have worked so long and so hard for this. I'm a bit disappointed with my crash in the second moto. If you look back now, I could have won the GP without that fall. But to be honest, I can't complain after my first ever series victory. You can't go from nothing to everything in one GP. I'm back on the podium and rode a very regular race. That feels great. This is a day I will never forget. I'm already looking forward to riding here again on Wednesday and Sunday.”
Marnicq Bervoets
“I have a bit of mixed feelings. On the one hand, I am of course happy and very proud. Winning two series, being on the podium for the first time with two riders: that's fantastic. On the other hand, we came here to win the GP. Both Ben and Jago could have won. They really gave it their all, but both made a small but costly mistake. And we shouldn't be cheesy: Vialle is also strong. We just have to keep working hard. We get another chance on Wednesday and Sunday. It's up to us to grab it.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: CDS
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