Jago Geerts completed his first MXGP at this third attempt this season in a steady GP that saw the Belgium battle for a top ten overall and the first step in the premier finally taken after months of pain and frustration.
Get Yamaha’s story of his weekend and thoughts from Geerts, below:
Qualifying race: Geerts, who made a successful comeback in Balen last Thursday, after an elbow fracture, finished sixteenth in the time practice. Also in the qualifying race, Jago – who tried to get the set-up of his Yamaha as good as possible- has to settle with a 16th place.
Race 1: Geerts has a good start and enters the first turn in position eight. Despite the lack of competition rhythm the rider from Balen keeps this position for a long time. Only far into the race Jago has to reduce the pace and first Bonacorsi and later Forato took advantage of this to pass him. Anyway, a nice tenth place for his comeback in the World Championship.
Race 2: Geerts clearly has not forgotten how to start during his absence. Jago is fifth after the start for the second moto but in the first lap he loses three spots. He manages to keep this place for a long time. In the second part of the moto it is obvious that Jago misses competition rhythm. Geerts drops back to P13. Good for an eleventh place overall in his first Grand in MXGP.
Comment: “After my successful comeback in Balen, earlier this week, I’m really satisfied with my return to the World Championship. Two good starts, two decent motos. I can’t expect more yet. Don’t forget that I miss competition rhythm. This was my first GP of the season. And don’t forget this was my first race in MXGP. That requires a certain adjustment, you know. I’m especially happy to be back again. The train has left again. Now the idea is to make steps forwards.”
