The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team enjoyed another successful Grand Prix weekend as the eleventh round of the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship took place in South Africa. Janis Reisulis secured his second consecutive overall podium, finishing third overall thanks to fourth and third-place finishes in the two races. Teammate Karlis Reisulis delivered two consistent rides to finish seventh overall.
Following his maiden MX2 podium at the previous round in Portugal, Janis Reisulis arrived at the high-altitude Terra Topia Circuit, northwest of Johannesburg, full of confidence. The reigning EMX250 Champion quickly adapted to the hard-packed circuit and set the tone for a strong weekend by finishing fourth in Saturday’s Qualifying Race.
In Race One, the Yamaha rider once again made a strong start and completed the opening lap in fourth position. From there, he rode a mistake-free race, pulled clear of the riders behind him, and comfortably secured fourth place at the finish.
Reisulis also got away well in Race Two and spent much of the race running in third. Although Camden McLellan managed to pass him in the closing stages, the young Latvian refused to give up. He responded immediately, reclaimed third place just a few laps later, and secured both third in the race and his second consecutive Grand Prix podium. After eleven rounds, Reisulis remains sixth in the MX2 World Championship standings.
Janis Reisulis:
“It was a good day. During warm-up I felt really comfortable on the bike. In the first race I may have been a little too cautious in a few sections, but it was a calm race where I mainly focused on riding my own pace. I approached the second race with the same mindset as always. When Camden McLellan passed me near the end, it lit an extra fire inside me and I decided to give everything I had. I managed to take the position back, and that ultimately earned me a place on the podium. I’m really happy with this result and I hope to keep this momentum going. A huge thank you to the whole team. Two podiums in a row is simply amazing.”
Karlis Reisulis also produced another consistent performance. The 20-year-old Latvian finished seventh in both races, securing seventh overall for the day and maintaining eighth place in the MX2 World Championship standings.
Karlis Reisulis:
“Today was okay. My starts were fairly good, but after that I found it difficult to make passes. Finishing seventh twice isn’t where I want to be. I didn’t feel bad on the bike, but the speed just wasn’t there today. That’s something we need to work on before the next Grand Prix. As always, I’d like to thank the whole team for all their hard work.”
Following three strong Grand Prix weekends in succession, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team now heads into a short break. The FIM Motocross World Championship resumes on 18–19 July with the MXGP of Great Britain.
Photocredits – Full Spectrum Media
