Jordi Tixier just misses top ten on comeback
By TMX Archives on 16th May 16
Jordi Tixier of the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team narrowly missed the top ten on his return from injury at the GP of Trentino.
The Frenchman, a former MX2 world champion, was making his debut in the MXGP class after complications with a wrist injury sustained in August last year had delayed his return to action. He quickly settled into a rhythm to post 13th place in timed training and repeat that position in the qualifying race. He battled just outside the top ten in the opening GP moto to again finish 13th and advanced to 11th place in race two to complete a highly satisfactory comeback to racing.
Tommy Searle again showed great speed during timed practice to post second fastest time, but the Englishman continues to experience difficulties at the race starts. After qualifying 12th he was handicapped by other riders falling in his path at the start of the opening GP moto but raced hard to advance from 27th on the opening lap to 12th at the finish. He was eliminated from race two after a crash.
Jordi Tixier: "It was great to come back and race after eight months far away from the race tracks. We improved all weekend long and finished near the top ten in the second race so I'm happy. The track was not easy for a comeback, I have only been able to train for a few weeks and now I know what I have to do before the next GPs.
The most important things are that I had no pain in my wrist, didn't crash and scored points in both motos. My starts were mid-pack, in the MXGP class it's sure that the start is much more important than in the MX2 and we'll work on that. It's good to have two weeks before the next GP in Spain, it will give us more time to work and continue to test the bike.”
Tommy Searle: "I proved again that I'm as fast as anyone with second in timed practice, but I just can't get a start. And when you're stuck in the pack you're always going to touch with someone at the first turn. I passed more people than anyone to get back to 12th in the first race.”
