New season, but the goal remains the same: the world title
Drum roll, because the start of the FIM World Championship is just around the corner. This weekend is the day: the opening race in Villa La Angostura, Argentina. A new season with new opportunities, but the goal remains the same for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. “We want to regain the world title,” team owner Hans Corvers speaks clearly. With Jago Geerts (22) and Thibault Benistant (20), the Belgian team has two title candidates in its ranks. A duo that will be reinforced this year by EMX250 champion Rick Elzinga (21).
Villa La Angostura is located in the heart of Patagonia and is known for its picturesque landscape - with beautiful forests and lakes - at the foot of the Andes. The Patagonia Race Track is located in the middle of this beautiful nature. A spectacular and fast circuit, with a dark volcanic surface, that attracts crowds every year. “A very enthusiastic audience too,” says team boss Hans Corvers. “In short: a great place to start the World Cup.”
Eager
Second (Geerts) and fifth (Benistant) in the World Championship, seven GP victories, 22 podium places and the constructors' world title: 2022 was a great year for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. Only the icing on the cake – the individual world title – was missing. “Four points was the difference. That hurt. Geerts didn't deserve that either. But sport can be hard,” says Corvers. “So our goal is very clear this year: regain the world title. Easier said than done of course. Vialle may have left for America, but the opposition has not diminished. The competition does not stand still either.”
Geerts – who is starting his final year in MX2 – starts as the top favorite anyway, but the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team has another iron in the fire with Benistant. “I have never seen Thibault as eager as this year,” says Corvers. The team was also expanded this year from two to three riders: Dutchman Rick Elzinga – European EMX250 champion in 2022 – joined the ranks. Corvers: “Rick is allowed to develop in the shadow of the other two. Although he will provide a surprise here and there, just keep an eye out.”
World Cup points on Saturday
So the bar is high. Although Corvers remains very realistic when it comes to the opening match in Argentina. “Our three drivers are not yet one hundred percent. Rick comes back from a long way away after a virus. Jago and Thibault have recently been ill, which has set them back somewhat. So I don't immediately expect a GP victory in Argentina. Don't have to either. The season is long and grueling. A podium finish would be nice to start with. And then build up systematically, so that we can go all out for the win from the third GP in Switzerland.”
A striking new feature this season: World Championship points can now also be earned in the qualifying race on Saturday. Ten points for the winner, nine for the second,…. and another for the number ten. This means that you can earn an extra 190 points for a while. So even more tension…
#93 Jago Geerts
“My preparation went perfectly until I got sick in February. A bad flu that haunted me for three weeks, which meant I could barely train and also had to drop two matches. Not ideal. But if it has to happen, it is better to be sick in the preparation than during the season. My condition is not yet great and I also miss competition rhythm. Well, I shouldn't be at the top level yet either. The season is very long, it is also important that you can still grow during the year. The target? After finishing second three times, it seems clear to me: win the world title. You always learn. Last season taught me that I have to be even more consistent. That is the key to success.”
#198 Thibault Benistant
“I was able to start motorcycle training a little later, at the end of December, because I had a shoulder procedure three weeks after the last Grand Prix. Nevertheless, the preparation went well. The shoulders are perfect again, my condition is on schedule and we have also been able to make a few steps forward as far as the bike is concerned. I rode three preparatory races and they were more than decent. The only downside: I was a bit sick last week. So I don't know how fit I will be this weekend. I'm not going to put unnecessary pressure on myself. The season is still long. My goal is clear: I want to finish in the top three this year and also play for the world title.”
#44 Rick Elzinga
“I had the Epstein-Barr virus last year and was a wreck after the season. So I come back from a very long way. I am still not at my very best fitness level, but I am well on the planned schedule. It's getting better and better, I also feel very good on the factory Yamaha. My ambition this season? Making progress. I don't put a spot on it. Start at the front as often as possible and then we'll see. The step from the European Championship to the World Cup should not be underestimated. The speed is still a bit higher in the world championship. And the races also last five minutes longer. Not nothing. But it is a very nice challenge.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
GALLERY: Yamaha
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