Enjoying a solid day of racing at the 2018 edition of the Hawkstone International MX, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing squad saw Gautier Paulin secure a strong third overall in MX1 class, with MX2 class rider Thomas Kjer-Olsen finishing second in the highly-competitive 250cc class.
For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders, this weekend’s event in England formed part of their preparations ahead of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship that kicks off in the beginning of March in Argentina.
In what was just his second competitive outing for 2018, Gautier Paulin was a strong contender for the top spots in each of the three motos contested at the sandy British track. Enjoying good starts throughout the day, the Frenchman earned fourth in MX1 moto one, improving to third in both the second MX1 moto and the Superfinal. Earning third overall in MX1, Gautier will continue working hard ahead of the long and challenging MXGP season.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie was also a force to be reckoned with on his home soil. Securing a strong third in the opening MX1 moto, the young Brit was unable to finish moto two due to a small issue. Battling through a bad starting position in the Superfinal, Max wrapped up the day with sixth in the final moto of the day.
The Hawkstone International MX marked the first competition outing in 2018 for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 class rider Thomas Kjer-Olsen. Earning 3/2 results in the two MX2 class motos contested, the young Dane secured a solid runner-up class result. Battling against the MX1 class riders, Thomas wrapped up the day with seventh in the Superfinal.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team members Gautier Paulin, Max Anstie and Thomas Kjer-Olsen will be back in action on February 18 at the Lacapelle Marival International MX in France. It will be their last international event before the start of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship in Argentina on March 3/4.
Gautier Paulin: “We worked on some bike setups today and made some good adjustments. I’m really happy with the progress made so far. The track was demanding and the bad weather made things even tougher today. In most parts there was only one big rut so passing was quite challenging. Despite a few small mistakes I got fourth in the opening MX1 moto. Getting back on the gate for moto two I wanted to push harder for an even better result. I got a good start and quickly found myself behind Herlings and Coldenhoff. I attacked for a better position but due to poor visibility on the track I opted to settle for third. Getting third again in the superfinal was a good way to wrap up a positive weekend.”
Max Anstie: “We had a pretty good day here at Hawkstone Park. The track was one-rutted in most places, so starts were crucial for every moto. In the opening MX1 race I got off to a decent start and followed the train of leading riders to cross the line in third place. I had a competitive pace despite demanding track conditions and that was really positive. In moto two my start was good again but a small issue did not let me finish the race. In the Superfinal I was eager to show what I’m capable of but my bad starting position outside the concrete start did limit any possibilities for a great result. It was a fun race here in England and we made some progress for the long season to come.”
Thomas Kjer-Olsen: “I felt good during the whole day here in England and it was great to kick off the new season with a strong result. In the opening MX2 moto I had a bad start but managed to find my way close to the top after a few laps. Then in the second moto my start was better and I managed to put in some fast laps. We had a good battle with Jonass and I crossed the line in second. In the Superfinal we had the chance to race against the MX1 class riders and that was a great experience. I had a good start and was racing in fifth but I made a small mistake, went off the track and ended up crossing the line in seventh place. Overall, I’m happy with my performance and I’m looking forward to racing in France next week.”
Provisional Results - Hawkstone International MX 2018
MX2 – Race 1
1. Pauls Jonass (KTM); 2. Martin Barr (Husqvarna); 3. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna)… 9. Mikkel Haarup (Husqvarna)
MX2 – Race 2
1. Pauls Jonass (KTM); 2. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna); 3. Adam Sterry (Kawasaki) … 10. Mikkel Haarup (Husqvarna)
MX1 – Race 1
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM); 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM); 3. Max Anstie (Husqvarna); 4. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna)
MX1 – Race 2
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM); 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM); 3. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna)
MX1/MX2 Superfinal
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM); 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM); 3. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna)… 6. Max Anstie (Husqvarna); 7. Thomas Kjer-Olsen (Husqvarna)
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