Strong Benistant triumphs for his own people
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team left Villars-sous-Ecot, France with mixed feelings. On the one hand, there was joy after Thibault Benistant's great victory – for his own people. The 30th GP victory for Hans Corvers' team. The other newspaper was saddened by Jago Geerts' broken wrist. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team traveled to France with just two riders. The unfortunate Rick Elzinga had remained behind in the Netherlands after an operation on his broken collarbone. The European EMX250 champion hopes to be back at the start in Latvia in two weeks.
Circuit de la Versenne had undergone a thorough makeover, compared to 2017 when it was last the scene of a Grand Prix. What stood out about the 'new look' course: a steep and treacherous downhill with very deep ruts. A place where many pilots went down. Unfortunately, Jago Geerts was also one of the victims. The World Cup leader hit a kicker in the first lap of the qualifying race, was thrown over his handlebars and hit the ground hard. Jago was still able to leave the course himself, but immediately complained of pain in his left wrist. The verdict at the medical center – after taking x-rays – was harsh: a broken wrist. Geerts immediately returned to Belgium where he will visit a hand surgeon on Monday. Only then will it be clear whether surgery is necessary and how long he will be out of action. In the meantime, Thibault Benistant, strongly encouraged by the French fans, rode a very strong qualification. The Frenchman finished in a nice second place, behind Kay De Wolf.
Value for money
Only one Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 rider at the start on Sunday: Thibault Benistant. But it gave the numerous French fans their money's worth. Titi shot out of the starting gate in fourth place and quickly jumped over Horgmo to third place. Next on the menu were the Dutch De Wolf and Van De Moosdijk. On lap 7, Benistant turned on his turbo. What followed was a spectacular duel with De Wolf. At first they played leapfrog, but Thibault's second attack attempt was successful. The Frenchman wanted more and - after a well-prepared attack - blasted past Van De Moosdijk into the lead. And all in one round! The French fans went crazy. Benistant immediately opened up a gap and then controlled the race until the finish.
Nice attack
Benistant made another good start in the second series on his YZ250FM. He got into the wheel of Lucas Coenen, who took the holeshot, but saw De Wolf passing by a few corners later. The Frenchman did not panic. He immediately attacked the Dutchman and gradually increased the pressure. His attack – on lap eight – was one from the book: Benistant pretended to go around the outside, but switched tracks at the last minute to pass De Wolf on the inside. Coenen – who had opened a gap of almost ten seconds – was already flying. Thibault wisely decided to secure second place. That was more than enough for the GP victory. The third of his career after Teutschenthal in 2022 and Frauenfeld earlier this season. Also the 30th GP victory for Hans Corvers' team. Geerts remains – despite his broken wrist – World Cup leader. He saw Adamo approaching to one point. Benistant jumped over Längenfelder into fourth place. Elzinga remains eleventh.
#93 Jago Geerts
“The descent where I fell was really dangerous with two bad pits. I went straight into the first one, after which I was thrown over my bike. My wrist was immediately very stiff. A fracture, it turned out in the medical center. All in all, the pain isn't too bad. The mental battle? This isn't fun, but there's no point in moping in a corner. I'm looking ahead again. I secretly hope to start again in Germany in three weeks. I'm not giving up the world title just like that. The season is still long, anything can still happen.”
#198 Thibault Benistant
“Man, this is very helpful. I have had a difficult period, with some weak matches. That was quite frustrating. But luckily we found the solution just in time. Finally I feel good on the bike again. Finally I enjoy driving again. My first series was perfect, in the second series I quickly realized that Coenen was too far away. But I knew the GP win was in. In France, for its own people. Fantastic. The supporters went completely crazy. I will never forget this GP victory.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photos: ShotbyBavo
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