Max returned to the GP paddock, this time as an MX2 wildcard as the series headed to Loket in the Czech Republic for round 14.
Oriol was also in attendance, qualifying 18th in timed practice and 12th in the qualifying race. Unfortunately when it came to the races Oriol tried his hardest but struggled with the intensity whilst battling illness and had to withdraw from race one and sit out race two.
With heavy rainfall for qualifying day the track was sodden making for tricky conditions for both riders and mechanics. Max qualified 22nd in timed qualifying after struggling to get a clear lap and then had 26th in the qualifying race. Onto the races on Sunday and the sun made an appearance which made for some good racing. Race one Max had a good start and was aiming to get into the points. He put in some good laps and rode a solid race, scoring a world championship point finishing in 20th place. Race two he had a start crash with another rider, he came just short of a point scoring position finishing 23rd but importantly finished both long motos.
Max: “With heavy rainfall for qualifying day the track was sodden making for tricky conditions for both riders and mechanics. Max qualified 22nd in timed qualifying and 26th in the qualifying race. Onto the races on Sunday and the sun made an appearance which made for some good racing. Race one max had a good start and was aiming to get into the points. He put in some good laps and rode a solid race, scoring a world championship point finishing in 20th place. Race two he had a start crash with another rider, he came just short of a point scoring position finishing 23rd but importantly finished both long motos.”
Team Manager Shaun Simpson: “It was good to have Oriol back at MXGP but it was clear it was still too soon for him to be back to 100%. He was riding well but just lacked the energy and focus to ride at race pace. We will focus on helping Oriol gain full fitness/speed and confidence to return to MX2 as soon as possible.
Max had nothing to loose this weekend and showed some good speed and determination at times over the weekend. He completed all the laps and will be stronger this weekend than he was last week. We will race as much as possible before his EMX250 return in Sweden.
This weekend the team will be in Lommel where Gyan and Max will wildcard in the MX2 class so we are excited to get in there and give it our all.
Thanks to all of our sponsors for their support.”
Next Event: 3rd August | MXGP | Lommel, Belgium
📸 Juan Pablo Acevedo
