Nearly 25,000 spectators attended the inaugural round of the World Motocross Championship at the Dutch circuit of Valkenswaard, on 8 and 9 April. In MX1, Motul supported team Suzuki Factory Rockstar Energy, which entered two RMZ-450s in the hands of Clément Desalle and Tanel Leok. The 22 year old Belgian showed constancy, finishing 2nd in the two races, behind Antonio Cairoli, the current world title holder. In the second race, the battle with Steven Frossard was particularly intense, but Desalle managed to keep ahead: 'I'm pleased because I feel good, and rode at my speed, at a good pace,' he concluded.
His team-mate, Tanel Leok, aka the 'Estonian express', was still suffering from the after-effects of his leg injury, but nevertheless defended himself well with a 9th and 11th place which allowed him to chalk up his first points in the championship. 'I'm not pleased with the results, he admitted. I still have physical problems, so I know what must be done before the next event'.
In MX2, Nikolaj Larsen gave its first points to team Standing Construct Suzuki, supported by Motul. On his Suzuki RMZ-250, he finished the first race in 12th place. His team-mate, Jens Getteman, aged 18, was on his maiden Grand Prix but nevertheless secured a 22nd place in the first race. Next event on 22 April in Sevlievo, in Bulgaria.
MX1 Championship Standings
01// Antonio Cairoli, KTM, 50 pts
02// Clément Desalle, Suzuki, 44 pts Motul
09// Tanel Leok, Suzuki, 22 pts Motul
MX2 Championship Standings
01// Jeffrey Herlings, KTM, 50 pts
15// Nikolaj Larsen, Suzuki, 9 pts Motul
