Third time lucky for Jago Geerts?
Barely three months after the end of the previous season, the FIM World Championship gets underway again this weekend at the spectacular Matterley Basin circuit in Winchester, England. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team starts the new season with sky-high ambitions. After Renaux's world title last season, the Genk team wants to add another gold record to the trophy cabinet.
#93 Jago Geerts.
Flash back to 2021. A phenomenal season for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. Maxime Renaux world champion, Jago Geerts second in the World Championship, nine GP victories and the constructors' world title. A grand cru year. “A season that is virtually impossible to match,” realizes team owner Hans Corvers, who will celebrate 2022 years of collaboration with Yamaha in 25. “But our main goal remains the same: the world title.”
MX2 world champion Renaux decided to move up to the MXGP class, which means that the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team will field two instead of three riders in 2022: Jago Geerts (21) and Thibault Benistant (19). The French teenager will have to suit up for Matterley Basin this weekend as he continues to recover after knee surgery. Geerts is therefore the only factory rider at the start in England. The Belgian also has good memories of Matterley Basin. On March 1, 2020, Geerts took his very first GP victory in Winchester.
Other preparation
“I have adjusted my physical preparation somewhat this winter,” says Geerts. “I opted for a larger volume and a higher intensity. My physical condition is better than ever. I also feel comfortable on the bike. I've driven a lot. In France, Sardinia and even in the United States. It was fun to train on many different types of tracks. Especially in the United States. After finishing second twice in a row, my goal this season is very clear: to win the world title. Hopefully the third time will be lucky.”
After two seasons with all kinds of restrictions - due to the corona pandemic - the FIM World Championship is reintroducing the two-day format this year. The riders will again be given six sessions, including a qualifying race on Saturday, giving them more time to fine-tune the setup of their bikes.
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Gallery: @shotbybavo – Yamaha Racing
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