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Back-to-back MX2 podiums for Mathis Valin
Kawasaki Racing Team MX2's Mathis Valin clinched his second consecutive podium in the French round of the FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship at Lacapelle-Marival in France.
The teenager used his first pick to choose the safety of an inside gate and his KX250SR that saw him power into the first turn of Race 1 almost a bike length ahead before surrendering the lead through the turn to a rival using the momentum from the outside. A tense duel ensued for the entire moto as the leader defended the inside line at every turn to frustrate the Kawasaki youngster time and time again around the tight track. Another electrifying start saw him again a safe second through Turn 1 in Moto 2 and, although he surrendered two positions through the hectic next few turns, the home country talent was firmly established in the four-rider breakaway. The quartet was tied together for the next 30 minutes and through the final three laps, with just two seconds covering the front four, the torch was lit as they each cast caution to the wind. A decisive pass took the home hero to third and also secured his second consecutive podium. He has jumped to sixth in the championship standings and pulled back 15 points on the series leader over the weekend.
"It means a lot to be back on the box, especially here at home in France; the crowd was amazing. I felt really comfortable yesterday after my victory in qualifying, but today was tough. The track was demanding, and it is also quite small, so I was taking the roost all moto. The speed is coming and we are getting closer and closer to the win."
- Mathis Valin
Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki's Francisco Garcia, taking a wild card start during a break from his European EMX250 schedule, rode an impressive GP debut to finish 10th overall from a brace of 10th-place motos. The Spanish teenager maintained a solid eighth place for half of the first moto amongst the factory riders and was even more impressive in Race 2 as he pushed forward from a midpack start in 16th to earn his second Top 10 finish of the day, five laps from the finish.
"It was a really good experience to race here this weekend, and I want to thank Bud Racing for giving me the opportunity. I was satisfied with my riding, and it was fun to battle with the GP riders; 10th was good, but I am sure I can do even better!"
- Francisco Garcia
Bud teammate Jake Cannon, also experiencing GP action for the first time, crashed on the opening lap of Race 1 but pushed to the end to secure 17th at the checkered flag. Avoiding mistakes in Race 2, he pushed forward from 17th to 13th to earn 15th overall.
"We have a break in our European championship schedule, and this was a close one, just a three-hour drive from the team base, so it was nice to enjoy the experience of racing a GP and have fun. I felt comfortable out there; I did some front loops in the first race, but it was nice to race with the factory guys in Race 2."
- Jake Cannon
