Nederlands
Thibault Benistant of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing clinched his fourth EMX250 victory for the season at Mantova in Italy. After riding to a consistent fifth in race one, he won the second race. Teammate Gianluca Fachetti was also strong on the day, and missed the overall podium with a single point after finishing third and seventh in the heats respectively.
The track at Mantova was in perfect condition, and the good weather certainly contributed to a good race day. Facchetti was in good form right off the bat and clinched pole position. Benistant, the incoming championship leader, clinched the fourth fastest time.
Fachetti had the better start of the two in race one, slotting into seventh. He pushed forward relentlessly until he had made it to second spot. The third-placed rider was putting great pressure on him, and late in the race indeed passed, leaving Facchetti in a hard-fought third. Benistant came from 15th, and rode his heart out to get to fifth.
Both riders launched better into race two. Benistant rounded the first corner in second place, and bided his time in moving for the lead. At half race distance he saw his opportunity, and once in the lead, he was never challenged. Facchetti looked set for a podium spot for a long time. He unfortunately crashed out of fifth position, dropping two spots. He struggled to get into his rhythm again, but kept his position.
Benistant took the overall victory, whilst Facchetti was fourth. Benistant now enjoys a very healthy 57 point lead in the championship series. Facchetti has risen to 14th. The series continues on Tuesday at the same track.
Overall EMX250 Championship Mantova:
1 Thibault Benistant 41 Pnt
2 Hakon Fredriksen 38 Pnt
3 Tim Edberg 35 Pnt
4 Gianluca Facchetti 34 Pnt
5 Kay de Wolf 31 Pnt
EMX250 Championship Standings:
1 Thibault Benistant 215 Pnt
2 Mattia Guadagnini 158 Pnt
3 Kay de Wolf 158 Pnt
4 Isak Gifting 128 Pnt
5 Tim Edberg 126 Pnt
14 Gianluca Facchetti 74 Pnt