Jeremy Seewer has been one of the fastest riders out on track since the season reboot back in August. In that time, he has won his two MXGP races and has finished inside the top-three in seven races – from fourteen gate drops. As a three-time FIM Motocross World Championship runner-up, the ‘91’ is itching to go one better. Deservedly, the 26-year-old Swiss put his YZ450FM at the front of the field from gate-drop, set the fastest lap of the race and led all 17 laps for his second race victory of the season.
A season-best qualifying position – second position - promised so much for Paulin until a freak accident forced him to start from dead last and with a bent bike. Another rider hit the Frenchman almost immediately after gate drop. He then clipped the rear wheel of the defending World Champion Tim Gajser and was slammed to the ground. After making a hasty remount, the ‘21’ pulled into pit-lane for running repairs before rejoining the race, where he incredibly fought back to 13th.
In the final race, Paulin was back to his usual self as he placed his YZ450FM inside the top-five off the gate and stalked the top-three for the entire 30-minute plus two lap duration of the race. He crossed the finish line in fourth but was bumped back to sixth in the final classification as one of four riders facing penalties for jumping on waved yellow flags.
Seewer did not have the start he had hoped for and crashed on Lap-2 while trying to make a pass on his teammate. The mistake cost valuable time that was difficult to claw back with most of the riders running a similar pace, which meant he had to settle for sixth at the flag. In an uncanny turn of events, the penalties that saw Paulin knocked back to sixth in the race classification pushed Seewer up to third, which meant he won the Grand Prix with a 5-point buffer over Glenn Coldenhoff, who mounted the second step.
As a result, Seewer has moved up to third in the MXGP Championship Standings and is only 16-points shy of the lead. Paulin remains ninth.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus withdrew from the Grand Prix after experiencing dizziness after the first race. An update on his return to racing will be shared on Yamaha Racing’s Social Media platforms when available.
For full results from the Lombardian Grand Prix, click here.
