Excessive rain was a factor at the Dutch Grand Prix in Valkenswaard. The constant downpours caused the track to deteriorate much quicker than usual, which caused chaos for the riders as they are not used to racing in such brutal conditions. The rain also caused visibility issues whether it was rain on the goggle lens or wet sand.
After a frustrating end to his Qualifying Race yesterday, Paulin lined up aware of the challenge he was bound to face with 14th gate-pick. Determined to fight back, the Frenchman got off to a mediocre start but looked comfortable out on the treacherous and challenging track as he worked his way to an impressive top-five finish in Race 1.
Seewer was a victim of visibility issues in the opening race of the day after he got his YZ450FM off to a top-two start before crashing on the opening lap. Fortunately, the ‘91’ was not hit by another rider when he fell at the front of the field, but he still struggled for vision while trying to carve through the pack. He stopped for a fresh pair of goggles and eventually finished 14th.
Tonus finished 17th after a colliding with another rider on the opening lap of Race 1.
In the second and final race of the weekend, all three riders were luckless on their mission. Seewer got off to another incredible start but tangled with another rider at high-speed and crashed. Paulin got caught in the Seewer’s carnage as Tonus stalled his engine. Seewer was unable to finish the race, while Paulin injured his ribs and struggled for breath.
Tonus fell foul to the conditions twice and finished 15th while Paulin braved the 16 lap duration of the race for 11th.
Paulin has moved up to fifth in the MXGP Championship Classification, while Seewer has dropped to ninth and Tonus is 16th.
All three riders are looking forward to a weekend off where they can regroup and be ready for the third round of the MXGP Championship which is set to take place on March 21st in Villa la Angostura, Argentina.
