Flanders sixth in Spain, Renaux also injured
Bad luck will continue to haunt the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team in 2024. After Jago Geerts (elbow and collarbone fracture), Maxime Renaux is now also in need. The Frenchman had so much pain in his foot that he had to miss the second series of the Spanish GP. Calvin Vlaanderen is improving week after week and finished sixth in Arroyomolinos.
Qualifying race: Renaux shot out of the starting gate super fast and dove into the wheel of home driver Prado in the first corner. The Frenchman was quickly joined by Gajser, who defeated him in the fourth round. Maxime was then chased by Coldenhoff and Herlings, but despite pain in his foot he refused to crack and crossed the line in third place.
First series: Just like on Saturday, a fantastic start by Renaux, who started the race just behind Prado. Maxime was chased by Gajser, but was initially able to withstand the pressure. In the sixth round Maxime had to bow to the Slovenian. The pain in the foot was unbearable, but Renaux refused to give up and finished well in fifth. The second series of Renaux did not start due to a foot injury.
Maxime Renaux: “Last season's foot injury continues to haunt me. I was in a lot of pain in the first series. Really not possible. It is too dangerous to continue driving like this – on one leg. That's why we decided to skip the second series. I am now visiting my doctor to see how we can solve this problem as quickly as possible, with or without surgery.”
Qualifying race: Calvin got off to a solid start, in seventh place, and immediately moved up a spot on the first lap. The Dutchman then tried to hold off a sitting Herlings, but had to bow to his compatriot in the third round. Flanders, who also saw Guillod and Febvre pass by, eventually finished ninth.
First heat: Flanders shot away like a comet on his YZ450FM and came into the first corner in third place - just behind teammate Renaux. However, Calvin suffered a knock on the first lap that dropped him to P6. The Dutchman then had a hard time and dropped back to tenth place. But he fought back and jumped over Guillod to ninth place.
Second series: Another fantastic start by Flanders, who ranked as number four among the top players. The Dutchman had to lose one spot in the first round, but then maintained his place in the top five. Coldenhoff continued to insist, but Flanders did not budge. Fifth in race 2 and sixth in the GP final standings.
Calvin Vlaanderen: “I return home with a satisfied feeling. I have taken a step forward every session here. That's positive. Don't forget that I was out for a few weeks during the preparation. I'm still on my way back. And that happens in small steps. I hope to be able to compete for the podium again in a few GPs.”
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Gallery: Yamaha
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