Ben Watson signs off on 2023 MXGP season with 11th at Matterley Basin!
The British Grand Prix, 19th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, put an end the 2023 season. The Matterley Basin track fulfilled all expectations and provided the numerous spectators with exciting and hard-fought races.
After setting the 19th fastest time in time trials, Ben Watson(Beta RX450) finished the qualifying session in 13th position. In the first heat Watson confirmed his good qualifying position and in the second he recovered to 11th position. The rider ended the GP in 11th position and the Championship in 13th.
It was a great weekend for Alessandro Lupino (Beta RX450), who started in the best possible way by setting the 8th position in timed practice. The rider was also very fast in qualifying, closing with an excellent 10th. In the first heat unfortunately Lupino did not have a very lucky start, but yet finished in 14th position; in the final heat the rider, which had to make a comeback after a start from the back positions, finished 12th. Lupino was 14th in the Overall of the day and 20th in the Championship standings, despite some races missed due the injury.
Ben Watson
“I have some mixed feelings about this race. The track was very fast and not so technical. In the time trials I should have taken a few too many risks to set a better time, but in qualifying things improved and I finished 13th. In both heats I made two good starts and made no mistakes, finishing 11th overall. I was disappointed not to be able to reach the top ten but I am satisfied with my results.”
Alessandro Lupino
“The last race weekend of the season was quite positive. Saturday went well and on Sunday, if I had been able to get a better start, I would certainly have had a chance to do better. Coming back from the last positions is never easy but I think I fought back well. Next week I will take part in the final round of the Italian Prestige and then I can finally take a few days off.”
After finishing the FIM Motocross World Championship 2023, the MRT Racing Team Beta Factory will be competing next weekend in the final round of the Italian Prestige Championship at Malpensa and the following weekend will support Ben Watson, selected by the British national team, in the Motocross of Nations at Ernée in France.
