Heavy rain made for a new challenge at the third of three back-to-back rounds to take place in Lommel within a week. In the opening race, Tonus and Seewer powered their YZ450FMs to top-three starts. The number ‘4’ had the early advantage but with a lack of ‘race fitness’ in 2020, he was quickly shuffled back to eighth amidst the action on the first lap.
Seewer found his place in fourth and was unchallenged for the full 16-lap race while Paulin impressed with his speed and technique as he charged from outside of the top-10 – after hitting the rear wheel of Antonio Cairoli off the start - to finish fifth.
The final race at the rough and bumpy circuit was a true battle of mental and physical strength. Tonus and Seewer crossed the Fox Holeshot line inside the top-three once again and charged hard for the first few laps.
Seewer was wise not to push his limits on the unforgiving sand and settled for a safe third position, which was enough to return to the podium for the first time since he won the Grand Prix of Lombardia in Mantova, Italy.
Tonus made an enormous step in the right direction and went ‘all-in’ for fourth position but made a small mistake with three laps remaining and finished fifth.
Precision is Paulin’s forte and he used it to his advantage as he passed more than 10 of the world’s fastest 450cc riders with ease on his way to fourth for fourth overall.
Seewer has moved within 10-points of second position in the MXGP World Championship. He is currenthly third. Paulin remains sixth while Tonus is 18th.
The FIM Motocross World Championship now travels to Pietramurata, Italy, where the final three rounds of the series will occur on Sunday 1st, Wednesday 4th and Sunday 8th of November.
