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Mathis Valin Sits Out the Portuguese GP
Kawasaki Racing Team MX2's Mathis Valin sat out the Portuguese round of the FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship at Agueda, as a precaution after a spectacular crash during qualifying, but Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki's Francisco Garcia continued his victory march in the European EMX250 Championship with his third consecutive perfect 1-1 scoreline.
Medical examinations on Saturday had already confirmed that Valin had suffered no physical injuries in the massive crash, but the French teenager and KRT management made the mutual decision to withdraw from the GP rather than risk any potential complications. A decision over his participation in next weekend's South African GP will be made after further medical checks tomorrow.
"I'm just glad I'm okay and happy to be on two feet; it was a big one and I'm lucky it wasn't worse. It was my own mistake, but my neck's a bit stiff, so I'm wearing a neck brace as a precaution. I'm going for further medical examinations tomorrow and hope to be in South Africa next weekend."
- Mathis Valin
Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki's Francisco Garcia completed his third consecutive perfect weekend in the European EMX250 Motocross Championship, to extend his advantage in the points standings to 104 points with just four rounds remaining. Kawasaki now leads the Manufacturers' Championship by 71 points.
Sunday morning's second moto was almost a carbon copy of the Saturday race. Garcia again rode a tight line through Turn 1 to be second up the hill, and within a few corners, he rode around the early leader and was nearly three seconds clear at the end of the opening lap. Riding immaculately, he continued to extend his lead to the finish, eventually taking the checkered flag nearly 14 seconds clear of second.
Bud teammate Jake Cannon had to battle hard from his mid-gate start pick, but was again 10th within two laps. The Australian teenager found good lines to make significant passes, taking over his eventual fifth with a sweeping move at the end of the waves on the penultimate lap. More significantly, he was ahead of each of his rivals for second in the points chase at the checkered flag, and now holds a 17-point advantage over third.
The EMX250 series now takes a break until August, but both Bud Racing Kawasaki riders will keep their racing heads focused with a guest appearance in the American outdoor championship next weekend.
"My family and the Spanish fans who have crossed the frontier to be here for sure enjoyed that just as much as I did, and their presence gave me even more motivation. I had a great feeling all weekend, and could play with the track. We have worked a lot on the starts and they are coming now, and I work every day with my trainer on my fitness too. This is only the beginning. I am already focused on my future, but first, we take on a guest appearance in the US Pro Motocross Southwick National next weekend."
- Francisco Garcia
"It was a weekend of two very different races. The first moto was difficult because the levers were loose after a knock early in the race, so it was difficult to push. I was determined to rebound in Race 2, and did that with P5. I got an awesome start, but got pushed wide at the first turn and had to come through the pack. But, I'm still second in the points and we keep going. It was a cool track."
- Jake Cannon
