09-05-2022	MXGP News
Double podium for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP

The vibrant sound of the YZ450FM was heard throughout the quaint area of Maggiora, Italy, this past weekend; the historic layout played host to round seven of the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship. The race will be remembered as a successful one for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, as there was double podium joy for the 'blue' team.

Maxime Renaux started his weekend with quite the bang in the premier-class qualification heat. Rocketing into the early lead aboard his steed, he led every single lap en route to his second pole position of the term. It was a thrilling stint and one where Jeremy Seewer featured inside of the top three too. Glenn Coldenhoff was classified in sixth place, following a so-so start, but that gave him a respectable spot on the line. There was a lot of positivity heading into the motos, even when the skies opened.

The Grand Prix of Italy was a reminder of just how fast Jeremy Seewer is. Battling his way up from the cusp of the top five in moto one, he set some incredibly quick times around the halfway mark and appeared to be a threat for the win. Seewer eventually clinched second and entered the second stint with his sights set on glory. Although a mediocre start made that tricky, he still pushed up into the runner-up spot and claimed that same ranking in the overall classification. Climbing onto the box was a very sweet moment and helped him move into third in the championship standings. 
 
Renaux was impressive again when the first moto fired into life in front of 22,000 fans, despite the fact that conditions were very different. '959' secured the race lead on the seventh lap and held that for ten minutes before eventually reaching the chequered flag in third place. Although he did not start quite as well in the second moto, he showed good pace to claw his way back to third in the race and overall classification. Renaux is second in the championship standings now too, thanks to such a positive performance in Italy.
 
For Glenn Coldenhoff, a poor start in moto one made life rather difficult on the one-lined circuit. '259' put his head down and persevered though. Eighth was where he was eventually classified in that stint. The second moto followed a similar pattern; he moved into eighth before an unfortunate fall caused him to tumble down the order. Coldenhoff was ranked in tenth overall after salvaging a twelfth in the first moto. Fifth is where he lies in the championship standings.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP turn attention to the eighth round of the current season, the Grand Prix of Sardegna, this coming weekend. The taxing sand of Riola Sardo is going to host a Grand Prix for the second year in succession.

Jeremy Seewer: "It feels great to be on the podium and with two very solid second place finishes. Clearly being the second fastest today was very good, but I know it's not my full potential. I still struggle with a few little things that I can improve, but those are just small details that could make the difference and have me battling with Tim [Gajser]. For now, I am happy with second. I didn't try to push or force the issue to catch Tim, so it was just a big step forward and now I look forward to the racing to come."
 
Maxime Renaux: "I have to be happy with the result today, because I was not happy with my riding. I did not ride like I know I can. I rushed a little bit and made some mistakes, which was not the best, but I have to see the positive. It's still a podium in my rookie season and I stepped up to second in the championship. I also had two very consistent and good starts, so that was the main goal for this weekend. It's a step forward and we keep learning and improving. I am looking to get closer to fight for the top step of the podium."

Glenn Coldenhoff: "It was a big off weekend, I guess. My starts were not good and the riding was also not the best. It was just an off day, Tenth overall is not where I want to be, so it's a terrible weekend and we will put it in the past. I am looking to bounce back at Riola next weekend."