Business as usual for Vlaanderen in qualifying race at Frauenfeld
Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen has finished the qualifying race of the MXGP of Switzerland in seventh place after a good comeback following a challenging start to the moto. Today’s result puts Vlaanderen in a good position for the two MX2 races of the sixteenth round, which will be contested tomorrow at 13:15 and 16:10 local time (GMT +2) at the hard-pack Frauenfeld-Gachnang motocross racetrack.
Calvin had a great jump out of the gate but ended up losing some drive as a touch with Henry Jacobi caused his bike to wheelie. When the MX2 field entered turn one, he found himself stuck behind an opponent who hit the brakes a bit too hard and had to stop, losing some more positions. After crossing the line in fifteenth place at the end of the opening lap, Vlaanderen pushed hard to make up as many positions as possible in the early stages of the moto.
On lap three, the 22-year-old from Cape Town made back in the top-ten with a clean overtake on Marshal Weltin and by halfway through the race he managed to move up to seventh after powering his Honda CRF250RW past Michele Cervellin. He then consolidated his position whilst avoiding any unnecessary risk and crossed the line eight seconds ahead of the Italian opponent.
Calvin Vlaanderen 10
Overall it wasn’t the best day but the seventh place in the qualifying race still gives us a good gate pick for tomorrow. I haven’t felt 100% on the bike all day long but we’re not missing much, maybe just a 5%. Hopefully tomorrow we’ll be able to make that little step forward we need and get two good starts – and two good motos!
Marcus Pereira de Freitas
Calvin was a little unlucky at the start but was able to keep it together and never lose focus which is very positive. He passed a few riders and looked very good on the bike. We know he prefers not to overdo it on Saturday and has done well before from after a seventh-gate pick, so we’re confident he’ll be able to get in the mix for a good result.
Qualifying race
| Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | Team | Constructor | Time/Gap |
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Location Information
Oberwiesenstrasse, Frauenfeld, Switzerland - View in Google Maps
