The MXGP of the Czech Republic turned into a disappointing weekend for the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team. Calvin Vlaanderen showed promising speed on Saturday but was forced to miss Sunday’s races after crashing during the morning warm-up.
On the fast and technical Loket circuit, Vlaanderen made a strong start to the weekend. The Dutchman set the fourth-fastest time in free practice and qualified eighth in the timed practice session. However, the qualifying race proved more challenging. After a poor start and a chaotic opening corner, where several riders went down, Vlaanderen completed the first lap in 17th place.
The Ducati rider immediately began charging through the field and gained several positions in the opening laps. A crash, however, dropped him back once again, and he eventually crossed the finish line in 16th place.
Misfortune struck again on Sunday morning. Vlaanderen crashed during the warm-up and sustained an injury. The Dutchman was not fit enough to line up for the Grand Prix races and was therefore forced to withdraw from the remainder of the event.
There was, however, some positive news for Ducati. Andrea Bonacorsi, who has missed the last five Grands Prix after sustaining an injury during the qualifying race at the MXGP of Latvia, will make his return next weekend at the MXGP of Belgium in the demanding deep sand of Lommel. As a result, the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team will once again field two riders for the 14th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
