MXGP of Belgium starts strongly but ends prematurely for Team HRC

The MXGP of Belgium started in the best way for Team HRC as Max Nagl took the holeshot in race one, leading through the first corner after another blinding start.

After yesterday’s busy track schedule, Lommel had become characteristically rough by the first race today, and as Nagl predicted after qualifying it became a test of physical endurance. The order of the top ten was shuffled regularly, and although the lead trio broke away from the pack battles were waged further down the order and, fighting hard, Max came home a respectable sixth.

Max’s start in the second race was not quite as strong and the No.12 rider found himself lying in fourteenth, in the melee of the pack. He fought up to twelfth, but as the deep sand became rougher still, so too did the physical challenge. Holding out as long as he could, unfortunately Max was forced to retire on lap eight suffering symptoms similar to last year when a virus befell him mid-season.

Choosing to pull out of a Grand Prix is very uncharacteristic of Max, so indicates the potential brevity of the situation. Consequently, he will visit specialists next week to assess his condition, and an update will be provided once available. There is now a break in the calendar until the GP of the State of Goias at the start of September.

Max was due to ride the new Honda CRF model range in Malpensa this coming week but this situation has unfortunately overshadowed that, although fellow HRC rider Tim Gajser will be present to experience the new MXGP-derived CRF250R and CRF450R machines alongside leading European journalists.