Best Grand Prix yet for confident Pocock
UTAG Yamaha.com were down to single rider representation at a packed Ernee circuit for the Grand Prix of France and the eighth round of the MX2 World Championship as Zach Osborne needed more time to convalesce from his broken wrist. However teenager Mel Pocock marked a small career milestone by taking his first GP points and scoring in both motos for 16th position overall across the narrow and slippery hillside course.
Cloudy conditions and a stiff breeze created different and changeable racing conditions compared to the sunshine and heatwave witnessed at Mallory Park the previous week. 38,000 spectators flocked to the venue that hosted the 2005 Motocross of Nations and last entertained a Grand Prix in 2006.
After negotiating a dry qualification Heat on Saturday Pocock was faced with a stern test ahead of his opening race on Sunday as a cloudburst soaked the track on the sighting lap. Largely one line, the layout was even more perilous for overtaking but Pocock started brightly and rode well to pick up 18th by the chequered flag for his first dose of world championship numeration.
The youngster from Eastbourne was buoyed by his performance and through a drier second moto he confidently gained places to reach an excellent 13th for a career-best to-date. To add to his merriment he was also the best classified Briton in the MX2 category.
Despite his aborted attempt to race last week and having missed the last four Grand Prix, Osborne is still 15th in the standings while Pocock now joins the points table.
The team will be busy at Hawkstone Park for the fourth round of the Maxxis British Championship next weekend before starting a three week Grand Prix trek to Germany, Latvia and Sweden before the summer break.
Mel Pocock: "I am ecstatic. I don’t know what to say. Two good starts really helped me here and a massive thank you to Ben for all his work with me. I chased Van Horebeek hard in that second race and took places when he did. I was fiercer with the other riders and had more confidence after the first moto; I feel like I can do it now! Points in both motos and top Brit overall, this is the best moment of the year so far for sure."
