Best result ever for Rick Elzinga
No Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant, both out with an injury, in the Swedish Grand Prix. Rick Elzinga was all alone in Uddevalla, but upheld the honor of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team with an impressive fourth place. His best result ever in MX2.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team has had a tough time in recent weeks. The team of team boss Hans Corvers traveled to Sweden with only one rider – Rick Elzinga – for the 15th round of the FIM World Championship. Jago Geerts (broken collarbone) and Thibault Benistant (concussion) were not fit in time for the Swedish Grand Prix. Elzinga felt good about himself on the hard, stone-strewn track in Uddevalla. The Dutchman took a nice fifth place in the qualifying race on Saturday. Good for six World Cup points and a good starting position for the series on Sunday.
Comet
Elzinga shot out of the starting gate like a comet in the first race. The reigning European EMX250 champion dived just behind Längenfelder in the first corner. The Dutchman had to let Liam Everts pass in the initial phase, but then settled firmly into third place. Elzinga could not keep up with the pace of the two leaders, but in turn he quickly drove away from number four. Good for third place, his best result so far this season.
Elzinga seemed to shoot himself in the foot after a bad start in the second series (eleventh). But the Dutchman did not panic. Although passing was very difficult, Rick moved up lap by lap. Three laps from the end, Elzinga was already in fifth position. The GP podium beckoned, but he just couldn't catch McLellan.
Elzinga took 36 World Cup points in Uddevalla, as many as Adamo. But the Italian was allowed to take the podium on the basis of a better second series. Rick finished fourth in the Grand Prix, his best result ever in MX2.
#44 Rick Elzinga
“I am of course very satisfied with this fourth place. Of course it's a bit of a shame that I miss the podium by one point. But I am especially happy with this achievement. My best result ever in MX2. On Saturday I still suffered from pumped arms, but on Sunday I felt great. Especially in the second series. I went from 17th to 5th. And that on a track where passing is very difficult. Whether the top three is the next goal? Gosh, I don't like boasting. Just keep making progress and the rest will take care of itself. I am now especially looking forward to the GP in Arnhem, in front of my own people. That always gives a boost.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Gallery: Yamaha Racing
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