Published on 12 November 2021

Watson on his first year in ‘brutal’ MXGP class

Ben Watson finished 11th overall in his rookie MXGP season, not a bad effort at all considering the depth of talent in the class but has revealed just how tough life in the premier class with the level being so high.

The talented British rider was inside the top ten for a large part of the season ultimately finishing just 19 points off tenth placed Lupino, with fellow rookie, Thomas Kjer Olsen, not far away in ninth.

Watson showed strong speed at times, especially when he got away with the top guys, although some hard pack circuits proved problematic, but all in all it was a good season, even if his future for next season is still to be revealed with MX2 world champ, Maxime Renaux, widely expected to be replacing the unlucky Watson at Yamaha.

Watson gave an honest appraisal of his MXGP season on social media saying, “That’s it.. my first MXGP season is in the books. Heavy year in a brutal class. I take my hat off to the top boys, the level is incredibly high right now. Congratulations to Jeffrey, Romain and Tim on the medals!

“I have learnt so much this year and I am really looking forward to developing and putting it in to becoming a top runner for next season.

“I finished the championship in p11. A lot of highs but too many silly lows. Overall I am quite satisfied but I know my potential and that makes me hungry for the future.

“One post isn’t enough to thank my team and everyone involved. I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity for my first mxgp season.

“I hope to be able to give you some more news soon! In the meantime I’ll take some rest and go back home to see my fam and friends… cheers.”

In the Yamaha press release Watson added: “Honestly, my first MXGP season has been tough. We have had many ups, but a lot of downs. The thing is, I need to learn a lot and if I could re-do the season I would change a lot of my decisions, I would. I have mixed feelings about how the racing went today, not the results I wanted, but I felt better on the bike in the last race which is a positive to take away.” 

Images: Yamaha