Fernandez and Lata both put in podium efforts for Czech qualification
LoketThe Honda HRC duo of Ruben Fernandez (MXGP) and Valerio Lata (MX2) finished third and second respectively in their Czech GP qualification races, showing that the muddy conditions were no match for their Honda machinery.
For Fernandez, this was on-board a prototype Honda CRF450R, that he’d only tested for a couple of weeks since the MXGP of Finland. Straight away in the first session, it was apparent that the bike belonged in the world championships and with Fernandez improving throughout the day – despite the rain falling – the bike looked better and better. After ninth in free practice, the track got wetter and wetter, but the #70 upped his game to get fourth gate-pick after timed practice. Then he made some good moves in the first half of the lap to come out in fourth in the qualifying race. He tried everything to get into third but the one-lined nature of the muddy Loket terrain seemed to stop any pass attempts, however as the last lap board came out, he forced his way past and got himself a third place in a very impressive debut race for the prototype.
Thankfully the weather forecast is better for tomorrow, where he’ll be looking to put together two strong rides and really try and show-off the capabilities of this new CRF450R and repay all the hard done by the Honda engineers and technicians.
It was a similar performance from Lata in the MX2 class, with the power of the Honda CRF250R on full display, as the #18 nearly got the holeshot. Instead, he slotted into second place, which is where he remained for the whole of the muddy, slippery qualification race. It was an excellent ride from the youngster and he’s full of confidence for the GP-scoring motos tomorrow.
MX2 Qualification Race
1. Mathis Valin (FRA, Kawasaki), 25:00.296; 2. Valerio Lata (ITA, Honda), +0:06.500; 3. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:08.517; 4. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:09.581; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:12.940; 6. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), +0:47.651; 7. Julius Mikula (CZE, TM), +1:09.668; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +1:20.935; 9. Jens Walvoort (NED, KTM), +1:26.560; 10. Guillem Farres (ESP, Triumph), +1:33.083;
We had some really good training sessions on the prototype these past couple of weeks and I think we showed today that it is immediately up to speed in the MXGP championship. I didn’t get the best jump but quickly made some passes in the first couple of corners and came out in fourth place. My speed was good and I felt like I was faster, but I couldn’t get the pass done. Then, the last lap I took advantage of a lapper to make the move and put the prototype in the top three. We are all very happy with the progress, but the work doesn’t stop and we keep working for the races tomorrow and beyond.
We had some really good training sessions on the prototype these past couple of weeks and I think we showed today that it is immediately up to speed in the MXGP championship. I didn’t get the best jump but quickly made some passes in the first couple of corners and came out in fourth place. My speed was good and I felt like I was faster, but I couldn’t get the pass done. Then, the last lap I took advantage of a lapper to make the move and put the prototype in the top three. We are all very happy with the progress, but the work doesn’t stop and we keep working for the races tomorrow and beyond.
We all knew that the start would be important here, especially after all the rain. We’ve been working hard and I think the power of the Honda CRF250R is good and it showed as I rounded the first corner in second place. From then on, it was a battle against the conditions and the riders behind, but I was able to keep a good pace and not make any mistakes in the slippery conditions. I’m very happy to rebound well after Finland and I’m excited to go again tomorrow.
We all knew that the start would be important here, especially after all the rain. We’ve been working hard and I think the power of the Honda CRF250R is good and it showed as I rounded the first corner in second place. From then on, it was a battle against the conditions and the riders behind, but I was able to keep a good pace and not make any mistakes in the slippery conditions. I’m very happy to rebound well after Finland and I’m excited to go again tomorrow.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks since Finland as the team have been working on getting this prototype Honda CRF450R up to speed, and I think we can say today that everyone has done an amazing job. It isn’t easy to come into this championship midway through with a brand-new bike and finish in third place, so a big round of applause to everyone in the factory in Japan and here in Europe. Also to Ruben for being brave enough to race on it, knowing how important each point is, in his quest for third in the MXGP championship. I really couldn’t be prouder. Also, of Valerio, who bounced back really well and had an excellent second place in the MX2 race. A great job by both riders, in really difficult conditions.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks since Finland as the team have been working on getting this prototype Honda CRF450R up to speed, and I think we can say today that everyone has done an amazing job. It isn’t easy to come into this championship midway through with a brand-new bike and finish in third place, so a big round of applause to everyone in the factory in Japan and here in Europe. Also to Ruben for being brave enough to race on it, knowing how important each point is, in his quest for third in the MXGP championship. I really couldn’t be prouder. Also, of Valerio, who bounced back really well and had an excellent second place in the MX2 race. A great job by both riders, in really difficult conditions.
