Vlaanderen bounces back with fourth place in second Swiss moto

2018-08-20 07:56
Calvin Vlaanderen’s MXGP of Switzerland has not been an easy one, as the standard bearer of Team HRC in the MX2 World Championship got away with a fourth-place finish in race two at Frauenfeld after being forced to pull out of the first moto due to a technical issue. With no weekend off, the young rider from Cape Town will have an immediate chance to bounce back as the series moves to Bulgaria for the seventeenth round of the season – which takes place at Sevlievo on August 26-27.

Calvin did not get the best jump out of the gate and was fifteenth as the MX2 field attacked the early corners of the moto. With some convincing overtaking manoeuvres, he managed to rise up to seventh place, before an electrical problem forced him to an early retirement on lap four.

Vlaanderen had a better start out of the gate in race two and from seventh place he quickly made his way up to fourth, and then on lap three he managed to overtake Ben Watson for third place. Five laps later, however, Vlaanderen was passed by Hunter Lawrence; despite being unable to stay in touch with the fellow Honda rider, he kept a solid pace and was fourth as the race drew to a close.

Calvin Vlaanderen 10
We’re obviously a bit disappointed with how this weekend turned out to be; we were hoping for two good results but we are leaving with just one. I was riding well and had a good feeling, but the small issue on the bike compromised our race. No one to blame for this, it just happens in racing. We stayed focused and our race two start was good. I lacked a little bit fitness-wise in the last few minutes, but I’m still happy with fourth place.

Calvin Vlaanderen
Marcus Pereira de Freitas
HRC General Manager - MXGP
Despite what happened in race one, Calvin showed great maturity as he didn’t let himself down: his performance in race two was very good, so we leave Switzerland knowing we are ready for the next battle in Bulgaria. The team has done a wonderful job and the bike is very competitive, so we must stay positive and keep aiming high.

Marcus Pereira de Freitas
Race 1
Pos. Rider Num Nation Points Team Time/Gap
1
JONASS
Pauls 1 LAT 25 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 35:26.036
2
PRADO GARCIA
Jorge 61 SPA 22 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +5.197
3
COVINGTON
Thomas 64 USA 20 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing +12.769
4
RODRIGUEZ
Anthony 127 VEN 18 Kemea Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team +16.499
5
LAWRENCE
Hunter 96 AUS 16 Honda 114 Motorsports +19.838
6
WATSON
Ben 919 GBR 15 Kemea Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team +40.346
7
RUBINI
Stephen

Source: Honda Racing Corporation

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