Loket is an “old-school” track that embodies many steep up-hills and daunting down-hills. The surface is clay, which puts a big emphasis on throttle control in either wet or dry conditions. These types of hard-packed venues typically suit the high momentum riding style of Seewer – a statement evidenced by his podium scores at the venue in 2016, ’17, ’19, and at our most recent visit in 2021.
The ‘91’ is currently third in the Championship Standings after food poisoning spoiled his chances of a podium finish at the MXGP of Indonesia three weeks ago.
MXGP has endured a three-week pause in the calendar, which worked to the advantage of all three Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP riders. Like Seewer, Coldenhoff also fell ill in Indonesia and needed time to recover. The Dutchman bounced back strong and has used the time off to test various parts on his YZ450FM, such as the mapping and suspension. He is currently fifth in the standings, 2-point shy of Renaux in fourth.
Renaux will be back on the gate for the first time since round 11, the MXGP of Germany, where he suffered four vertebrae fractures in a Qualifying Race fall. The gritty Frenchman has been working hard with his trainer at physiotherapist to recover in record time and has done so successfully. He remains fourth in the standings, 40-points shy of Seewer in third, and 45-points off Jorge Prado in second.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team will arrive in Loket ready to continue its title charge. Jago Geerts is 4-points off the championship lead and is determined to return to the podium this weekend.
Teammate Thibault Benistant arrives confident as the Czech venue was the site of his first-ever MX2 podium celebration. The talented Frenchman has gone from strength to strength since his return to racing at round four. He has already collected four pieces of podium silverware and is already up to seventh in the Championship Standings.
This weekend's circuit is 130km west of Czech’s capital - Prague - and has been etched into the hillside of Loket - a quaint medieval village made famous by its role in the blockbuster hit - James Bond 007 Casino Royale - back in 2006.
