Another GP with tough conditions took place this weekend. Valkenswaard’s deep sand and rain didn’t completely swallow our riders, here is what came out from round 2 for Team Honda 114 Motorsports.
Livia Lancelot : “Happy to be done with these two GP. Now let’s hope the next one will be warm and dry.
I’m happy overall though. I can’t believe how unlucky Nathan is, 2 crashes at the starts in 3 motos this weekend. It shows he is a real fighter.
For Bailey, in these conditions and considering his fitness at the moment, I’m really happy he could get some serious points in moto 2.”
Nathan Crawford : “I’m definitely more than capable of getting inside the top-10. Crashing has been the main thing this weekend. I had 2 big ones in the first turn (qualifying race and first moto). I took a good start in the second moto and was around 4th in the first lap but then I had a malfunction with my goggles. This was just due to conditions, definitely not from Just1 goggles. They’re great but everybody dealt with some issues like I did.
That was a bit of a bummer. I should be top-10 every weekend.”
Bailey Malkiewicz : “Track was gnarly! I enjoy the sand and really enjoyed the track but not as much in the end being fatigued and how tough the track got.
My knee held up really well for a sand track but I hit it a couple times in the last race. I pushed through the pain and got a point scoring finish.”
Livia Lancelot : “At home we have all the good conditions to prepare for a world championship but, to win here, you need to live in Belgium/Netherland for at least a year.
I’d even say, you need to be good in deep sand like Valkenswaard to become world champion.”
Nathan Crawford : “Our training plans won’t change that much. Our training program is solid. We have some European races coming up which will be good in preparation for next GP.”
Bailey Malkiewicz : “Nathan crashed in front of me and came back passed me later on. I give him props for that considering he had no goggles and the track was tough.
Back home we had cold races like that but not in the sand. It helps being tall but only one good knee makes it hard.”
Livia Lancelot : “Now we will do some French Elite championship. Eric Sorby is happy about their dedication lately and we will make them work harder.
Talking about French Elite championship, Axel Louis is giving everything to show his potential. He wants to race up front there but he’s not even 16 so he has to be patient… It didn’t work out this weekend but he’s improving.”
Nathan Crawford : “Wether I’m here in Europe or home, my effort is still 110% in my riding. Here, at the moment, I’m still adjusting. I think with more time here and some confidence, I can ride better here thant I did at home.”
Bailey Malkiewicz : “Not sure what the actual problem is with my knee but a lot of rest and ice will help me recover and heal back to 100%.
My fitness is getting better and I’m confident on my knee and my riding at the moment.”