Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Karlis Reisulis has finished third overall in the MX2 class at the MXGP of the Czech Republic. Securing the first overall podium of his MX2 career, K. Reisulis demonstrated exceptional speed and consistency at the 13th round of the series to claim his 4-3 race results. Rounding out a strong day for the team, Karlis’ brother Janis placed fourth overall.
Round 13 of the MX2 World Championship took place at the hardpack and rugged circuit of Loket. With a tricky, stony racing surface, strong starts were essential in order to feature at the front of the field. For the Reisulis brothers, their starts aboard their Yamaha YZ250FM machines were near-perfect in both races.
- Reisulis took advantage of his great start in Race One and soon settled into fifth on the opening lap. A few laps later he was up to fourth, then slipped back to fifth just after the halfway point of the race. In the closing stages he moved up to fourth and held this position to the finish. To underline K. Reisulis’ speed in the first race of the day, he set the fastest lap on lap four.
The Latvian executed another strong start in the second race and ran sixth early on. With his sights set on the front of the field, he quickly progressed to fourth and, on lap 11, he worked his way past his brother Janis. The move secured his place on the overall podium for the first time in his career, with the 38 points earned moving him up to seventh in the championship standings.
- Reisulis also impressed in the Czech Republic. In Race One, he started up front and led the way until mid-race when he dropped back to second. In the closing stages he returned to fourth and held this position to the finish.
The reigning EMX250 Champion’s start in Race Two was almost as good as Race One and he held third for much of the race. As the laps wound down, he suffered from arm pump, which slowed his progress, although he was able to maintain a solid pace and crossed the line in fifth for his seventh top five finish this season. Leaving the Czech Republic, J. Reisulis maintains sixth in the championship standings.
Following a successful Grand Prix, the team now heads to Belgium for round 14 next weekend. Taking place at the bottomless sand track of Lommel, the teammates and brothers look forward to the challenge with momentum on their side.
Click here for all the results from the MXGP of Czech Republic.
Karlis Reisulis
3rd MXGP of Czech Republic, 38-points
7th MX2 Championship Standings, 376-points
“It was a really good weekend. My riding felt smooth, especially on Sunday, and everything came together really well. Our team’s suspension technician made the right adjustments, so a big thank you to him and the whole team. I had two solid motos with decent starts, which allowed me to ride my own pace. I felt in control and comfortable all weekend, so I’m really happy with how everything came together.”
Janis Reisulis
4th MXGP of Czech Republic, 36-points
6th MX2 Championship Standings, 476-points
“It was a solid day and a good overall result. Third and fifth gave me fourth overall, so that’s definitely something to be happy about. Arm pump was holding me back a little this weekend, and in the second moto I just couldn’t quite ride the way I wanted to. I focused on riding safely and bringing home the overall result. Congratulations to my brother on making the podium as well – I’m really happy for him. A big thank you to the whole team for all their hard work.”
Photocredits – Full Spectrum Media
