Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 rider Jago Geerts has scored the fourth win in a row in Mantova. The Belgian won both motos in round 2 of the FIM World Championship and is the new leader in MX2.
Geerts has some fond memories about the Circuito Tazio Nuvolari. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 rider had won the last three Grand Prix in Mantova (2020 and twice in 2021). Although the track was much firmer than in previous years - because of the lack of rain the last few months - Jago immediately felt good on this track this weekend. First in time practice, a win in the qualifying race and also the fastest in warm-up on Sunday: promising a lot for the races.
In full control
Geerts had a great start on his YZ250FM in the first race. The Belgian just missed the holeshot, but immediately passed Vialle to take the lead. The Frenchman tried to put pressure on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider, but Geerts remained as cool as a cucumber. He kept a high and steady pace, made a nice gap and was in full control until the finish line.
Another good start for Geerts in the second race, but the Belgian dropped to fifth place after some carnage in the first turn. Jago didn't panic. On the contrary, after a fierce second lap - in which he cleverly passed De Wolf and Gifting - Geerts was already in third position. One lap later Vialle had a huge crash just in front of Geerts, who was gifted second place. Jago immediately went for Adamo, but the Italian was riding the race of his life. The Belgian needed almost 20 minutes to pass Adamo. Once done, he quickly made a gap and grabbed his first GP victory of 2022. Geerts is also the new championship leader. The Belgian takes over the lead from Längenfelder, who finished fourth in Mantova.
#93 Jago Geerts
1st overall, 1st in championship
"A double race win and the red plate: a perfect day. In the first race Vialle was pushing for ten, fifteen minutes. Once I had a gap, I could control the race. In the start of the second race I was lucky not to crash, as there was some carnage in the first turn. I dropped to fifth place, but was able to regroup quickly. When I was in second position I made some small mistakes while trying to pass Adamo. Once I passed him, I could again control the race. It's nice to have the red plate. But the season is still long, there's still a lot of work to do. Next up is Argentina. A long and exhausting trip."
RESULTS
Race 1
1. JAGO GEERTS (Bel/Yam)
2. Tom Vialle (Fra/KTM) +0:05.440
3. Kay de Wolf (Ned/Hus) +0:06.041
4. Andrea Adamo (Ita/Gas) +0:10.856
5. Roan van de Moosdijk (Ned/Hus) +0:12.885
Race 2
1. JAGO GEERTS (Bel/Yam)
2. Simon Längenfelder (Ger/Gas) +0:04.067
3. Andrea Adamo (Ita/Gas) +0:12.661
4. Kay de Wolf (Ned/Hus) +0:13.409
5. Isak Gifting (Swe/KTM) +0:13.424
Overall
1. JAGO GEERTS (Bel/Yam) 50
2. Andrea Adamo (Ita/Gas) 38
3. Kay de Wolf (Ned/Hus) 38
4. Simon Längenfelder (Ger/Gas) 36
5. Kevin Horgmo (Nor/Kaw) 28
World championship classification (2/20)
1. JAGO GEERTS (Bel/Yam) 90
2. Simon Längenfelder (Dui/Gas) 86
3. Kay de Wolf (Ned/Hus) 74
4. Tom Vialle (Fra/KTM) 64
5. Andrea Adamo (Ita/Gas) 60
Next race: March 20, GP3 Villa La Angostura (Arg)