Today’s action in Pietramurata saw rounds eight of the EMX250 and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing championships, as SM Action Racing Team YUASA Battery’s Kevin Horgmo and 9MM Energy Drink Kawasaki Bud Racing’s Lucas Coenen celebrated overall victories in their respective classes.
And in EMX125 Bobby Bruce battled hard and clawed back some points on the series leader despite a fall, Check out his highlights…
In the first EMX250 race, it was Fantic Factory Team Maddii’s Nicholas Lapucci with the holeshot as Andrea Bonacorsi of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing got himself into second ahead of Raf Meuwissen of Riley Racing.
Lapucci then made a mistake and crashed out of the lead, with Bonacorsi inheriting the top spot. The Yamaha rider then led the way ahead of Meuwissen, Horgmo and Maxime Grau of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Lapucci was up in 11th.
Horgmo then made a pass on Meuwissen for second position and shortly after the Dutchman dropped another spot as Grau was able to find a way through as well.
Horgmo then closed in on the rear wheel of Bonacorsi as the pair fought it out for the win. The Norwegian was really pushing to get by the Italian but failed to find the perfect opportunity despite being faster than the leader on several occasions.
Lapucci meanwhile continued his fight back up the order as he got by Liam Everts of Liamski KTM and Jorgen-Matthias Talviku of No Fear/Jumbo BT Racing Team. He then also passed David Braceras from Team VRT Nordpesca Holland for fourth as he set his sights on Grau.
But back at the front, Horgmo was not letting go of Bonacorsi as he stayed within less than a second of the Italian.
Meanwhile further down the field, Haakon Fredriksen of Riley Racing and Everts were both able to get by Grau who dropped to seventh place.
With two laps to go, Horgmo turned up the pressure onto Bonacorsi and despite getting close a few times, the Norwegian could not make a pass stick as Bonacorsi went on to win the race. Horgmo settled for second ahead of Lapucci who eventually came back to third.
In race two, it was once again Lapucci who got the holeshot ahead of Horgmo, Jeremy Sydow of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing, Grau and Yago Martinez from Team VRT Nordpesca Holland. Race one winner, Bonacorsi, started in around 13th place.
Cornelius Toendel from Riley Racing had a strong first lap as he went from eigth to fourth, while Horgmo kept close to Lapucci.
Bonacorsi then crashed together with Saad Soulimani of TBS Conversions Racing Team and dropped to outside the top 20.
For a brief moment, Horgmo was in the lead, but Lapucci was quick to respond and took back his position. Toendel then passed Sydow for third.
Horgmo made another attempt on Lapucci which was unsuccessful as the battle for the lead raged on. This allowed Toendel to close in on the pair. And as Horgmo tried again, he was pushed offline by Lapucci which allowed Toendel through into second and half a lap later he was in the lead. He led for a brief moment as he crashed in the next corner trying to keep the Italian behind him.
Further behind them, Everts took third from Sydow as Bonacorsi went down again. He eventually came back to 10th place.
Everts close in on the top two riders, as Horgmo took over the lead but made a mistake which allowed Lapucci back onto his rear wheel, fortunately he was able to break free of that as the Italian came under fire from Everts who shortly after took over second place.
Fredriksen was another rider who got past Lapucci who seemed to have lost his rhythm and then we saw an epic battle between Fredriksen and Everts for second. Fredriksen was able to get around the Belgian who immediately struck back, but the Norwegian was able to move quickly to stay ahead. And as Everts tried to retaliate he got it all wrong on the downhill which resulted in a big crash for the #72.
In the end, Horgmo went on to claim the race victory ahead of Fredriksen and Lapucci who was third. And with a 2-1 result, Horgmo took the overall round win for the second time this season, as Lapucci occupied the second step of the podium, while Fredriksen was third.
With two rounds left to go, Lapucci leads the EMX250 Championship standings with a 26-point advantage over Horgmo, while Rick Elzinga of TBS Conversions Racing Team remains third.
Kevin Horgmo: “It was not the best start but obviously a lot better than the last round here. The starts were quite okay. I had tough guys in front of me who were difficult to pass. In the first race, I was probably a little bit too cautious. Every time I came close, I backed off. I didn’t send it too hard in the inside. Then in the second race, I went all out because I knew it was for the overall victory. So, I just tried to do my best and find different lines so I can make the pass happen. I think I can’t look too much at the points right now because it’s still quite far. I just need to take it race by race, try to get better starts, be in front and hopefully win both races.
Nicholas Lapucci: “Today was a tough day for me. In the first race, I pulled the holeshot then I had a tip over due to a technical problem. But I managed to come back almost without making any mistakes. I finished off in the third position. Second race, I got the holeshot as well. I tried my best and gave my 110% to maintain the lead but it wasn’t enough. Let’s think about the championship, we have two rounds to go. I am proud about that because we can always send it. Next races are in Mantova, it’s a little bit softer over there so it will be better for me. Let’s see what it brings.
Haakon Fredriksen: “I mean I had a good time in time-practice. First race, I struggled a lot to adjust to the track. Also on a personal level, I was not riding at my 100%. Second race, we took a big decision to go with the sand tyres. Actually, I took the decision. I did a mistake, but it worked out in the end, and I was able to have more control over my riding. It was a good day overall; I was able to get the podium as well so I am happy. I had good success in Mantova last year, so I am really confident going there and I am hoping to have two good results”.
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Main Photo: Kevin Horgmo
Bottom Photos: 1. Nicholas Lapucci 2. Haakon Fredriksen
EMX250 – Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), 28:44.206; 2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, GASGAS), +0:02.313; 3. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, Fantic), +0:17.652; 4. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, Yamaha), +0:21.928; 5. Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, Yamaha), +0:27.918; 6. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:36.645; 7. Jeremy Sydow (GER, Yamaha), +0:39.759; 8. Maxime Grau (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:45.858; 9. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +0:47.505; 10. David Braceras (ESP, KTM), +0:52.421;
EMX250 – Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, GASGAS), 29:04.011; 2. Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, Yamaha), +0:03.962; 3. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, Fantic), +0:13.100; 4. Jeremy Sydow (GER, Yamaha), +0:14.953; 5. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, Yamaha), +0:30.961; 6. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:31.915; 7. Emil Weckman (FIN, Honda), +0:32.562; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, KTM), +0:34.015; 9. Yago Martinez (ESP, KTM), +0:37.212; 10. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:55.176;
EMX250 – Overall Top 10 Classification: 1. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, GAS), 47 points; 2. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, FAN), 40 p.; 3. Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, YAM), 38 p.; 4. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Jeremy Sydow (GER, YAM), 32 p.; 7. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 30 p.; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, KTM), 23 p.; 9. Yago Martinez (ESP, KTM), 20 p.; 10. David Braceras (ESP, KTM), 17 p.;
EMX250 – Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, FAN), 345 points; 2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, GAS), 319 p.; 3. Rick Elzinga (NED, KTM), 257 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 227 p.; 5. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, YAM), 226 p.; 6. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, YAM), 202 p.; 7. Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, YAM), 170 p.; 8. Yago Martinez (ESP, KTM), 162 p.; 9. Emil Weckman (FIN, HON), 120 p.; 10. Maxime Grau (FRA, HUS), 113 p.;
EMX250 – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Fantic, 348 points; 2. GASGAS, 319 p.; 3. Yamaha, 310 p.; 4. KTM, 305 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 206 p.; 6. Honda, 120 p.; 7. Kawasaki, 102 p.; 8. TM, 17 p.;
In the first EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing heat, it was Coenen with the holeshot ahead of MRT Racing Team KTM’s Valerio Lata and Julius Mikula. A few riders came together in the start which included the likes of Ferruccio Zanchi and Ivano Van Erp of Yamaha Europe EMX125 MJC.
Coenen then led Lata, Cas Valk of Husqvarna SKS Racing NL, ASA United GasGas Racing’s Bobby Bruce and Mikula who dropped a couple of spots after the opening lap.
Mikula then came under more pressure from Karlis Alberts Reisulis of Yamaha Europe EMX125 MJC and Kay Karssemakers of Husqvarna SKS Racing NL. Reisulis was able to find his way past the Czech rider.
Coenen then stretched his lead to 5.158 seconds as Bruce began to close in on Valk. He launched an attack not long after which at first was unsuccessful. He tried several more times before finally making the pass stick and moving up into third.
Meanwhile Zanchi was making some strong passes after crashing out of the start as he moved into 13th place.
Reisulis then caught and passed Valk, as Valk dropped to fifth, meanwhile Karssemakers had Alexis Fueri of Fantic Factory Team Maddii, Mikula and Scott Smulders of No Fear/Jumbo BT Racing Team closing in for sixth place. Fueri was able to get around Karssemakers to steal his position.
Meanwhile Reisulis was making progress on Bruce as he caught onto the Brit, urging him closer to Lata who was still second. But the Bruce was able to break free of the Latvian and focus on getting closer to Lata.
Lata then got caught out by lapped rider who went down right in front of him, with Bruce doing his best to avoid the situation but riding over Lata’s bike. Lata was able to pick himself up but took time to get going as he inspected the rear of his bike. He eventually finished the race in sixth place.
Coenen though was focused on his own race as he crossed the line to win race one, 16.570 second ahead of Reisulis who ended up second, with Bruce third.
In race two, it was once again Coenen with a flying start as he led Van Erp who got off to a much better start compared to the first race. Behind him was Andrea Viano, Lata and Smulders. Bruce was down in seventh on the first lap.
Lata then passed Viano for third as Bruce and Reisulis fought for fifth. Viano then got passed by both Bruce and Reisulis, as the Italian dropped to fifth. Reisulis was riding very well as he caught up with Lata. The Latvian was able to get around the championship leader to move into third position.
Meanwhile Coenen set the fastest lap of the race as he extended his lead to 3.912 seconds over Van Erp, as Bruce got a glimpse of Lata ahead of him. He started to close in on his title rival, but a couple of mistakes allowed Lata some breathing room.
Fueri then made an aggressive move on Karssemakers for sixth, as Bruce caught onto Lata again. The Italian then made a mistake which allowed the Brit to get close enough to do something about it and he did just that, as he squeezed by the KTM rider.
Van Erp then crashed out of second position, which allowed Coenen to run away with it, as his lead went up to 15.991 seconds. Coenen ended up winning the race, as Van Erp managed to hold on to second while Reisulis crossed the line in second.
With two race wins, Coenen had the perfect score and went on to claim his first ever overall victory, while Reisulis mounted the podium for the first time in second overall, while Bruce finished third.
Despite not finishing on the podium, Lata continues to lead the series with a 22-point advantage over Bruce as we head into the final round in Mantova, for the round of Lombardia.
Lucas Coenen: “Today was a good day for me. Two holeshots and I led every lap of the races. I made gaps and won the races, so that was really good. We managed to get 1-1 and that’s good because I managed to get my first win of the season on Tuesday. Let’s say I am over the bad luck, and I am starting to gain momentum, so that’s good. My goal now is just to ride my own race and make it the easiest possible to finish 1-1 and we will see”.
Karlis Alberts Reisulis: “There’s not much to say. I finally got the podium after a long season filled with injuries. I also finally managed to have some not-so-bad starts. Everything came together and I just got that podium. I also got a little bit lucky in the first race, but I’ll take it”.
Bobby Bruce: “We didn’t get two of the best starts, really. I have been struggling with them. But the first race was good. I came from behind. Valerio got caught with a lapper and I couldn’t avoid them, so I ended up being down as well. But I finished the race second. Second race, I also had a bad start, but the track is tight, and we were nearing the end, so I had to put a good pass on. Overall, it was a good day. Another podium. I haven’t missed it in Arco. Let’s hope for the same in the last round. Hopefully we’ll have another week like this one and get some points under our belt. We’ll see what happens, because anything could happen. One more race to go”.
Valerio Lata: “I had a good start in the first race. I had a good feeling on the track, but I crashed with another rider with two laps to go. I finished the race in sixth position. Second race, I had a good start, but I did not have the same good feeling. I finished in fifth position. Now it’s time to get ready for Mantova. Thank you to my team, family and supporters”.
Main Photo: EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Start
Bottom Photos: 1. Lucas Coenen 2. Karlis Alberts Reisulis battling with Kay Karssemakers
EMX125 – Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Kawasaki/BUD), 29:23.026; 2. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:16.570; 3. Bobby Bruce (GBR, GASGAS), +0:16.817; 4. Cas Valk (NED, Husqvarna), +0:21.277; 5. Alexis Fueri (FRA, Fantic), +0:32.487; 6. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), +0:37.774; 7. Kay Karssemakers (NED, Husqvarna), +0:40.591; 8. Scott Smulders (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.216; 9. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, KTM), +0:51.821; 10. Julius Mikula (CZE, KTM), +0:59.062;
EMX125 – Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Kawasaki/BUD), 29:25.792; 2. Ivano Van Erp (NED, Yamaha), +0:17.149; 3. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:26.837; 4. Bobby Bruce (GBR, GASGAS), +0:27.930; 5. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), +0:29.105; 6. Alexis Fueri (FRA, Fantic), +0:40.396; 7. Kay Karssemakers (NED, Husqvarna), +0:45.697; 8. Scott Smulders (NED, Husqvarna), +0:45.854; 9. Cas Valk (NED, Husqvarna), +0:54.564; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.786;
EMX125 – Overall Top 10 Classification: 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, KAW), 50 points; 2. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, YAM), 42 p.; 3. Bobby Bruce (GBR, GAS), 38 p.; 4. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 5. Alexis Fueri (FRA, FAN), 31 p.; 6. Cas Valk (NED, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Kay Karssemakers (NED, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Ivano Van Erp (NED, YAM), 27 p.; 9. Scott Smulders (NED, HUS), 26 p.; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, YAM), 21 p.;
EMX125 – Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), 299 points; 2. Bobby Bruce (GBR, GAS), 277 p.; 3. Kay Karssemakers (NED, HUS), 241 p.; 4. Lucas Coenen (BEL, KAW), 237 p.; 5. Ivano Van Erp (NED, YAM), 221 p.; 6. Scott Smulders (NED, HUS), 194 p.; 7. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, YAM), 170 p.; 8. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, KTM), 162 p.; 9. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, YAM), 141 p.; 10. Alexis Fueri (FRA, FAN), 126 p.;
EMX125 – Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 328 points; 2. Yamaha, 307 p.; 3. GASGAS, 307 p.; 4. Kawasaki/BUD, 288 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 254 p.; 6. Fantic, 221 p.; 7. Kawasaki/KTM, 5 p.;
TIMETABLE
SUNDAY: 08:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 09:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 11:15 MX2 Race 1, 12:15 MXGP Race 1, 14:10 MX2 Race 2, 15:10 MXGP Race 2.