Stifling hot temperatures added an extra element to an already challenging sand circuit, making the MXGP of Finland the ultimate test of man and machine. Making his 190th Grand Prix appearance, 31-year-old Coldenhoff proved he still has what it takes. The ‘259’ put in an incredible performance in race one, as he stormed from outside of the top-five to finish second after an exciting duel with Renaux, who had charged from 10th to third. Seewer had the best start of the trio but fell from third on lap 6. He fought back to finish fourth.
Coldenhoff stormed to an emotional flag-to-flag victory in race two after taking the holeshot ahead of his fast-starting teammate, Seewer.
Seewer was squeezed at turn-one and shuffled back to fourth but inherited a position from Romain Febvre before passing Henry Jacobi for second.
Hyvinkaa presented uncharted territory for the rookie Renaux as the venue has only hosted two rounds of the World Championship in the past 20 years – in 2013 and 2014, which was before the young Frenchman had started racing internationally. Nevertheless, the ‘959’ quickly adapted and, despite two mediocre starts, put in two impressive performances for a 3-3 scorecard and third overall.
Boosting Yamaha’s success, Riley Racing Yamaha’s Brent Van Doninck and Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha’s Calvin Vlaanderen rounded out the top five positions, respectively, ensuring a historic ‘blue-wash’ of the top-five in MXGP race two. As a result, Yamaha has successfully extended its lead in the Manufacturer’s World Championship.
Coldenhoff's triumph sees the '259' move up to third in the MXGP Championship standings. Seewer remains second, while Renaux rounds out the top five.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team will now head 3200 kilometers south to Saint Jean d'Angely, France, for the penultimate round of the series.
