Lucas Coenen delivered a standout performance over the weekend winning his second MXGP overall on the bounce. In Portugal he secured three moto wins and continuing his impressive adaptation to the premier MXGP class. The young Belgian rider, who stepped up to the 450cc machinery this year, showed maturity and composure under pressure and credited strong starts, growing confidence, and experience as key factors in his success.
“I was lucky because in timed practice I got pole position and then I took the advantage in the qualifying race with a good start,” Coenen explained. “Romain got me but he made a mistake, so I passed him and it meant for Sunday I was on pole.”
That inside gate pick proved crucial on race day, as Coenen nailed two perfect starts to lead both motos from the front.
“The inside gate was helping a lot, I made two good jumps, two holeshots, and then Romain was pushing hard. I can tell you, I was feeling it and I was a bit scared about my line choice, but in the end, I made it happen,” he said. “And yeah, second moto, I made a mistake in the last lap, but I could relax a bit, so overall, three moto wins for the weekend is not bad, nice.”
Adapting to the demanding conditions and the power of the 450cc bike has been a process, but one Coenen is beginning to feel more comfortable with.
“I mean, last year I felt horrible in these conditions, so I was going in to not rush it, but overall, I think I feel better in these conditions with the 450cc than the 250cc, so overall, it felt good,” he admitted.
The transition to MXGP has required a shift in approach, particularly with the depth of talent in the field.
“Of course, I’m gaining confidence also in myself, in my riding, and with the starts. Having good starts and leading up front with people pushing, it’s also helping a lot,” he said. “So, I’m just learning from them, and I mean, it’s a tough class because everybody is fast, you need to step it up, and that’s what I did today, so I’m happy.”
Coenen acknowledged the fierce level of competition in MXGP, where every position is fought for with intensity.
“They are really consistent in the MXGP class and they never give up for position. For example, they’re fighting for tenth, or ninth, or third, they give everything they have,” he said. “So, I mean, the starts in the MXGP class are so important. Compared to MX2, it’s also important, but for me, it’s more important on the 450cc because everybody is so close, and everybody’s fast. You can’t count anyone out, there are maybe ten guys from today who can get the holeshot and win and maybe I finish tenth. The start is the key, because everybody’s the same speed.”
Beyond his personal achievements, Coenen also expressed pride in representing Belgium on the world stage.
“It was nice last weekend that I won again since 2018 for Belgium. First of all, I didn’t know it until somebody told me, but it was really nice, it’s been a long time,” he said. “Now we’re going for Belgium also in MX2 with my brother and Liam. In MXGP, myself and Jago are getting better, so it’s good for the country.”
As his confidence continues to grow, Lucas Coenen is proving that he belongs among the elite in MXGP. With strong starts, smart decisions, and unwavering determination, the future looks increasingly bright for the young Belgian talent as he battles for the MXGP world title as a rookie.
