TEAM ROOKIE THOMAS KJER-OLSEN EARNS SIXTH OVERALL AND MAINTAINS FOURTH IN MX2 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING
Showing good speed around the muddy and extremely challenging track in Pangkal Pinang, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer-Olsen earned sixth overall in the MX2 class at the MXGP of Indonesia. With the first two GPs of the new season now in the books, the young Dane is holding an impressive fourth overall in the 250cc class’ points standings.
In what was a tough GP for all teams and riders, organisers were forced to reduce the length of the event due to heavy rain and deteriorating track conditions. Following the cancellation of Saturday’s qualifying races, the second MX2 moto ended prematurely and the second MXGP moto was also cancelled.
Following his strong fourth overall result a week ago in Qatar, 19-year-old Thomas Kjer-Olsen was impressively fast in the muddy conditions of the Indonesian GP. Starting the first MX2 moto outside the top 10, and despite suffering two small crashes, the young Dane put on a strong charge to cross the line in sixth. Thomas was racing in fifth before the second MX2 race was red flagged. Following its premature end the second MX2 moto was officially cancelled and no points were assigned to riders.
Battling through sickness, Conrad Mewse endured a tough GP in Indonesia. Fighting his way back after a bad start in moto one, the young Brit managed to finish as high as 15th in MX2 moto one. Earning six points from his 15th overall at the GP, Conrad will be looking to improve his overall result in the MX2 standings during the upcoming races.
For Mewse’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 teammate Thomas Covington the GP of Indonesia brought mixed fortunes. Fighting his way up to 11th after a bad start in moto one, the American had a fall and was unable to finish the race. Racing inside the top eight in moto two, the American had to call it a day after the race had been red flagged.
In the MXGP category the Indonesian event proved to be a challenging one for all Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team riders. Gautier Paulin raced a consistent opening MXGP moto to finish 13th for 13th overall at the GP. With two rounds completed the Frenchman is currently seventh and two points behind a provisional top six in the MXGP championship standings.
Following a similar approach to Paulin, Max Anstie put in a steady ride to bring his FC 450 home in 14th place. Collecting 14th overall at the GP the MXGP class rookie sits 12th in the points standings.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl got a good start in the MXGP moto and found himself racing as high as 10th. With the track deteriorating as the race progressed, the German’s bike got stuck in a very deep rut and he was unable to finish the race.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team will return to action at round three of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on March 18/19.
Thomas Kjer-Olsen: “It was a good race for us. My speed was good despite tough track conditions. I got a mediocre start in the opening moto but I pushed hard to provisionally climb to fourth. It was so hard to get a decent rhythm in these conditions, unfortunately I pushed too hard and crashed two times. To finish sixth under these circumstances is hugely positive for me and the team. We’re still fourth overall in the championship standings and this season has still a long way to go. The speed is there so it’s up to us now to continue battling for the top three in the MX2 class.”
Conrad Mewse: “For me it’s been an extremely tough GP. I got sick with the flu last Thursday and I’ve been struggling to get back my physical strength and stamina since then. In the opening moto I got a bad start and had to battle from the back of the pack to 15th at the chequered flag. Then in moto two I got another bad start and was racing in 24th before the race was red flagged. These first two GPs in Qatar and Indonesia have been challenging for us but the season is long. I’m looking forward to some days of rest now before resuming my training in preparation for Argentina.”
Thomas Covington: “It’s been a challenging GP. With not much time on the track before the opening moto I was feeling a bit insecure as to how to approach the race. When the gate dropped I got close to a few other riders so quickly found myself outside the top 20. I tried my best to get closer to the top but as I was battling for the top 10 I crashed and couldn’t get the bike to start again. Then in the second moto my start was better and I was racing in eighth before the race was red flagged. Unfortunately, race two was officially cancelled so we did not get any points from that moto.”
Gautier Paulin: “Overall, I’m satisfied with our results in Indonesia. The first and only moto we raced was more like a gamble and you had to remain focused and patient. The key for me was to keep going and not get stuck in the mud. Line choice was also crucial as in most places you could not tell how deep the ruts could be. I take my 13th place and move on. It is an OK result and I’m happy we’re now going back to Europe for some more training and testing with the team.”
Max Anstie: “We really did the best we could do at this GP. With so much rain over the last couple of days, the track was more like an enduro test. You had to remain 100% focused on avoiding the softer spots and keep your wheels moving at all times. It was more like a survival race for everybody and to get away with a 14th place result is not so bad. Now it’s on to the next overseas GP and we’re looking forward to some better luck in two weeks in Argentina.”
Max Nagl: “It was a tough GP for all of us. I got a mediocre start in the first moto and found myself racing inside the top 10 for a few corners. Then I lost a few spots and had to battle hard to get back to 10th. The track was almost impossible to ride in some places. The ruts were so deep that our footpegs were getting stuck. Unfortunately, I got stuck in a very deep rut before the face of a jump and it was impossible to take my bike out and continue. It’s not been the best weekend for us but now we’re going back to Europe for a few days and our plan is to work even harder for the next GP in Argentina. I really like the track over in Patagonia so I will do my best to collect as many points as possible for the championship.”
Results – FIM Motocross World Championship, Round 2
MXGP - Overall
1. Shaun Simpson (Yamaha) 25; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM) 22; 3. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 20… 5. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 16… 8. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 13… 13. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 8; 14. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 7
MXGP - Race 1
1. Shaun Simpson (Yamaha) 15 laps, 36:06.712; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM) 36:14.437; 3. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 36:19.213… 5. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 36:50.292… 8. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 37:13.529… 13. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 38:28.738; 14. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 38:47.920… 23. Ivan Harry (Husqvarna) 11 laps, 39:25.557
MX2 - Overall
1. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 25pts; 2. Davy Pootjes (KTM) 22; 3. Julien Lieber (KTM) 20… 6. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 15; 7. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 14… 11. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 10… 13. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 8… 15. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 6… 20. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 1
MX2 - Race 1
1. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 15 laps, 35:29.684; 2. Davy Pootjes (KTM) 35:37.662; 3. Julien Lieber (KTM) 35:59.024… 6. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 36:59.016; 7. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 37:01.282… 11. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 37:26.155… 13. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 37:59.371… 15. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 14 laps, 36:36.150… 20. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 13 laps, 36:34.238… 22. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 29:27.789… 28. Ivan Petrov (Husqvarna) 28 laps, 35:44.970
Championship Standings (After Round 2)
MXGP
1. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 68pts; 2. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 60; 3. Tim Gajser (Honda) 56… 7. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 39… 12. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 26; 13. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 24… 15. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 22; 16. Max Nagl (Husqvarna) 18
MX2
1. Benoit Paturel (Yamaha) 60pts; 2. Julien Lieber (KTM) 60; 3. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 57; 4. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 51… 17. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 14… 20. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 13; 21. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 12… 23. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 10… 25. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 6… 28. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 1
In what was a tough GP for all teams and riders, organisers were forced to reduce the length of the event due to heavy rain and deteriorating track conditions. Following the cancellation of Saturday’s qualifying races, the second MX2 moto ended prematurely and the second MXGP moto was also cancelled.
Following his strong fourth overall result a week ago in Qatar, 19-year-old Thomas Kjer-Olsen was impressively fast in the muddy conditions of the Indonesian GP. Starting the first MX2 moto outside the top 10, and despite suffering two small crashes, the young Dane put on a strong charge to cross the line in sixth. Thomas was racing in fifth before the second MX2 race was red flagged. Following its premature end the second MX2 moto was officially cancelled and no points were assigned to riders.
Battling through sickness, Conrad Mewse endured a tough GP in Indonesia. Fighting his way back after a bad start in moto one, the young Brit managed to finish as high as 15th in MX2 moto one. Earning six points from his 15th overall at the GP, Conrad will be looking to improve his overall result in the MX2 standings during the upcoming races.
For Mewse’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 teammate Thomas Covington the GP of Indonesia brought mixed fortunes. Fighting his way up to 11th after a bad start in moto one, the American had a fall and was unable to finish the race. Racing inside the top eight in moto two, the American had to call it a day after the race had been red flagged.
In the MXGP category the Indonesian event proved to be a challenging one for all Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team riders. Gautier Paulin raced a consistent opening MXGP moto to finish 13th for 13th overall at the GP. With two rounds completed the Frenchman is currently seventh and two points behind a provisional top six in the MXGP championship standings.
Following a similar approach to Paulin, Max Anstie put in a steady ride to bring his FC 450 home in 14th place. Collecting 14th overall at the GP the MXGP class rookie sits 12th in the points standings.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl got a good start in the MXGP moto and found himself racing as high as 10th. With the track deteriorating as the race progressed, the German’s bike got stuck in a very deep rut and he was unable to finish the race.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team will return to action at round three of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on March 18/19.
Thomas Kjer-Olsen: “It was a good race for us. My speed was good despite tough track conditions. I got a mediocre start in the opening moto but I pushed hard to provisionally climb to fourth. It was so hard to get a decent rhythm in these conditions, unfortunately I pushed too hard and crashed two times. To finish sixth under these circumstances is hugely positive for me and the team. We’re still fourth overall in the championship standings and this season has still a long way to go. The speed is there so it’s up to us now to continue battling for the top three in the MX2 class.”
Conrad Mewse: “For me it’s been an extremely tough GP. I got sick with the flu last Thursday and I’ve been struggling to get back my physical strength and stamina since then. In the opening moto I got a bad start and had to battle from the back of the pack to 15th at the chequered flag. Then in moto two I got another bad start and was racing in 24th before the race was red flagged. These first two GPs in Qatar and Indonesia have been challenging for us but the season is long. I’m looking forward to some days of rest now before resuming my training in preparation for Argentina.”
Thomas Covington: “It’s been a challenging GP. With not much time on the track before the opening moto I was feeling a bit insecure as to how to approach the race. When the gate dropped I got close to a few other riders so quickly found myself outside the top 20. I tried my best to get closer to the top but as I was battling for the top 10 I crashed and couldn’t get the bike to start again. Then in the second moto my start was better and I was racing in eighth before the race was red flagged. Unfortunately, race two was officially cancelled so we did not get any points from that moto.”
Gautier Paulin: “Overall, I’m satisfied with our results in Indonesia. The first and only moto we raced was more like a gamble and you had to remain focused and patient. The key for me was to keep going and not get stuck in the mud. Line choice was also crucial as in most places you could not tell how deep the ruts could be. I take my 13th place and move on. It is an OK result and I’m happy we’re now going back to Europe for some more training and testing with the team.”
Max Anstie: “We really did the best we could do at this GP. With so much rain over the last couple of days, the track was more like an enduro test. You had to remain 100% focused on avoiding the softer spots and keep your wheels moving at all times. It was more like a survival race for everybody and to get away with a 14th place result is not so bad. Now it’s on to the next overseas GP and we’re looking forward to some better luck in two weeks in Argentina.”
Max Nagl: “It was a tough GP for all of us. I got a mediocre start in the first moto and found myself racing inside the top 10 for a few corners. Then I lost a few spots and had to battle hard to get back to 10th. The track was almost impossible to ride in some places. The ruts were so deep that our footpegs were getting stuck. Unfortunately, I got stuck in a very deep rut before the face of a jump and it was impossible to take my bike out and continue. It’s not been the best weekend for us but now we’re going back to Europe for a few days and our plan is to work even harder for the next GP in Argentina. I really like the track over in Patagonia so I will do my best to collect as many points as possible for the championship.”
Results – FIM Motocross World Championship, Round 2
MXGP - Overall
1. Shaun Simpson (Yamaha) 25; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM) 22; 3. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 20… 5. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 16… 8. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 13… 13. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 8; 14. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 7
MXGP - Race 1
1. Shaun Simpson (Yamaha) 15 laps, 36:06.712; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM) 36:14.437; 3. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 36:19.213… 5. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 36:50.292… 8. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 37:13.529… 13. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 38:28.738; 14. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 38:47.920… 23. Ivan Harry (Husqvarna) 11 laps, 39:25.557
MX2 - Overall
1. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 25pts; 2. Davy Pootjes (KTM) 22; 3. Julien Lieber (KTM) 20… 6. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 15; 7. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 14… 11. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 10… 13. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 8… 15. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 6… 20. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 1
MX2 - Race 1
1. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 15 laps, 35:29.684; 2. Davy Pootjes (KTM) 35:37.662; 3. Julien Lieber (KTM) 35:59.024… 6. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 36:59.016; 7. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 37:01.282… 11. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 37:26.155… 13. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 37:59.371… 15. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 14 laps, 36:36.150… 20. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 13 laps, 36:34.238… 22. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 29:27.789… 28. Ivan Petrov (Husqvarna) 28 laps, 35:44.970
Championship Standings (After Round 2)
MXGP
1. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 68pts; 2. Clement Desalle (Kawasaki) 60; 3. Tim Gajser (Honda) 56… 7. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 39… 12. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 26; 13. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 24… 15. Tanel Leok (Husqvarna) 22; 16. Max Nagl (Husqvarna) 18
MX2
1. Benoit Paturel (Yamaha) 60pts; 2. Julien Lieber (KTM) 60; 3. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 57; 4. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna) 51… 17. Caleb Ward (Husqvarna) 14… 20. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 13; 21. Anton Gole (Husqvarna) 12… 23. Iker Larranaga (Husqvarna) 10… 25. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 6… 28. Aaron Tanti (Husqvarna) 1
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