Gautier Paulin of the Kawasaki Racing Team raced to his third GP victory of the year in the Italian round of the FIM MX1 Motocross World Championship at Maggiora. The Frenchman already proved his liking for the classic hillside track with an impressive victory in the Qualification race, and he showed his maturity and skill as he converted a sixth-placed start into a third-placed finish in the opening moto on a track made slippery by heavy watering to counteract the threat of dust on a gloriously warm sunny day. Taking full advantage of a clearcut holeshot in race two Gautier sprinted clear and dug into his reserves in the closing stages to withstand a fierce attack from the defending champion. The Kawasaki Racing Team leader has now won four motos in the last five GPs to consolidate yet further his second place in the championship standings as the series enters the second half of the season.
KRT team colleague Jeremy Van Horebeek continues the learning curve in his rookie season of MX1 GP racing. The Belgian set the fastest lap times in the practice sessions and missed the podium by just one place after two strong top five finishes. He is now eighth in the championship standings and, his speed improving even more each week, is proving to be a wise selection as partner to Paulin.
Tommy Searle of Team CLS Kawasaki Monster Energy Pro Circuit had an unfortunate crash during the practice sessions which left him in some discomfort throughout racing, but the Englishman dug deep into his reserves to finish the weekend seventh in the GP despite being knocked off by a rival rider in the early stages of the opening moto. After a strong ride back into the top ten from the back of the field, he once again showed his potential n the second race as he advanced from tenth to fifth. He retains sixth place in the championship standings.