Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP travelled to the familiar spot of Kegums, Latvia, for round six of the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship. The sandy terrain was particularly inviting over the weekend; a strong crowd entered the facility and watched the YZ450FM riders rip up the golden sand that had become a quagmire after heavy rain.
The Grand Prix of Latvia was an eventful experience for Glenn Coldenhoff, who showed good pace on both days. Although a poor start threated to hinder him in the first moto, he went from the lower half of the top ten and took fifth on the final lap. The second moto was where he really shined – a heroic pass helped him claim third right at the finish line. It was a very impressive effort, after finishing lap one in fifth, and put him in fourth overall at the end of the weekend. Two measly points separated him from a position on the overall podium.
For Maxime Renaux, the Grand Prix of Latvia was another valuable learning experience and great example of his determination to succeed. Renaux leapt off of the track in a jaw-dropping fashion early in moto one; he recovered from that to cross the finish line in sixth. The second stint featured another impressive charge, as he progressed from the lower half of the top ten to take fifth at the end. The same spot was occupied in the overall classification. ‘959’ is still third in the championship standings.
Jeremy Seewer had a quiet weekend in the sand of Kegums, as he battled to find flow aboard his YZ450FM. Seewer still bagged some solid points in both motos though; he raced to seventh in the first moto and then had a similar outing to claim eighth the next time out. Eventually classified in eighth overall at the Grand Prix, Seewer is still fourth in the championship standings and will set his sights on silverware when the next event fires into life.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP trio will focus on achieving more success at round seven of the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship, the Grand Prix of Italy, on May 07/08.
Glenn Coldenhoff: “I knew today would be tough after the qualifying race yesterday, but I stayed confident. I felt good yesterday and again today. My start was not that good in the first moto, because I was so far out from the inside. It was difficult to come back through the pack. I had an incredible start in the second race and almost got the holeshot, then had a good moto with a last-metres pass on [Ruben] Fernandez. That was definitely the best way to end the weekend! It’s a shame to miss the podium again, but it’s been a good day.”
Maxime Renaux: “It was a tough weekend for me, because I twisted my ankle on Saturday and I was really riding in pain today. Sixth and fifth in the races is something to be happy with under these circumstances. We saved some good points and kept the bike on two wheels – this was important. Now we will focus on recovering the ankle and be ready to bounce back at the next GP.”
Jeremy Seewer: “Quite a difficult weekend. After Trentino I thought I was going in the right direction, but I had an off feeling this week. We tried a few things on the bike but kind of went in a circle. I also struggled with some tiredness and I cannot figure out where it is coming from. I still scored some decent points today, but I just tried to survive as the track was also very sketchy. I just went on cruise control to take home some points.”
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