Watson back for Lommel
With the return of Ben Watson after an injury, the Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 Team is back in full force for round 14 of the FIM World Championship. That round will take place on the legendary sand track in Lommel this weekend, which is considered as the worlds toughest race. Belgian teenager Jago Geerts is aiming for the podium (or maybe a maiden Grand Prix victory?) at his home GP.
#193 Jago Geerts
Geerts reclaimed his third position in the world championship last weekend in Loket and will arrive in Lommel with a lot of confidence. The Belgian, who lives on a fifteen minute drive from Lommel, loves riding on the most brutal track in the world. Watson is also one of the best sand riders in the MX2 class, but it remains to be seen how strong he will appear after his hand injury.
“It would not be fair of us to expect too much from Ben”, says team owner Hans Corvers. “He missed a few GP’s because of a broken hand and is not yet at the top of his game. Two top 10 finishes would be good, top five would be fantastic.”
Corvers is looking at teenager Jago Geerts to bring home a fantastic result. “Jago is having a great run this season and everybody knows he’s one of the fastest guys in the sand. To be honest: I won’t be satisfied with less than a podium.”
Only 50 kilometers separate the workshop of the Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha MX2 Team and the GP track in Lommel. The team will have its own hospitality this weekend, where they will receive over 200 VIPs. “Our home GP is always something special. We have invited a lot of guests, sponsors. Most of them have been supporting us for many years. I hope we can offer them a nice Grand Prix, with a great result.”
#193 Jago Geerts
3rd in championship
“A home GP is always a bit more special than other races. I live only 15 kilometers from the track in Lommel and there will be a lot of friends and relatives at the race this weekend. And of course we will be racing in deep sand, my favourite surface. The tougher the track, the better. I can’t wait to get behind the gate. My fifth place in Loket last weekend gave me a confidence boost, after some difficult races. My goal in Lommel is clear: trying to get on the podium.”
Ben Watson
8th in championship
“It was difficult to sit at home and watch the Grand Prix on television. I’m happy to be back. I have done two days of bike training this week and I felt really good. I feel confident going into Lommel. The pain in my hand is not completely gone. Just a little bit, but it isn’t affecting me on the bike. I’m really looking forward to racing in Lommel. I don’t expect the world. I know it will be a tough race. But physically I’m strong and I love riding in the sand. I want to enjoy my comeback race.”
TIMING LOMMEL
Saturday
07.45-13.25 Free practice
13.55-14.25 EMX125 race 1
14.40-15.10 MX2 time practice
15.15-15.45 MXGP time practice
16.05-16.35 EMX250 race 1
16.55-17.20 MX2 qualifying race
17.40-18.05 MXGP qualifying race
Sunday
09.45-10.15 EMX125 race 2
10.25-10.40 MX2 warm-up
10.45-11.00 MXGP warm-up
11.30-12.00 EMX 250 race 2
13.15-13.50 MX2 race 1
14.15-14.50 MXGP race 1
16.10-16.45 MX2 race 2
17.10-17.45 MXGP race 2
