The “Mottaccio del Balmone” circuit in Maggiora hosted the Italian Grand Prix, the 18th and penultimate round of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. On Saturday rain and thunderstorms made the track particularly challenging, while on Sunday weather conditions improved, allowing the riders to perform at their best.
Words & Images: Beta Motor
Ben Watson (Beta RX450) remained close to the top ten in qualifying, finishing 12th. In the first heat Ben confirmed his good feeling with the track and finished again in 12th position, while in the second heat, after an unlucky start, he was able to get out of the deep tracks and finished in 16th position. Watson finished 14th in the day’s Overall, just behind his teammate Alessandro Lupino.
Lupino (Beta RX450) made his experience count in the time trials by setting the 13th fastest time. In qualifying the rider had an unlucky start but recovered to 18th position. In the first heat Alessandro secured the 15th position in the first laps and held it until the chequered flag. In the second heat he made the most of an excellent start, ending in 10th position and ranking 13th in the day’s Overall.
BEN WATSON:
“After the problems I had in Turkey, I am happy because at Maggiora I got my speed back. On Saturday the track conditions were quite difficult, but in qualifying I managed to ride well, finishing 12th. On Sunday the track was drier but there were few clean lines and it was really difficult to overtake. In race one I finished 13th despite a small problem. An off-track excursion in the first laps forced me to make a comeback in the second, which I finished 16th. I rode well but if I don’t improve my performance at the start it will be difficult to get better results. I will try to get ready as best I can to do well in my home GP next weekend.”
ALESSANDRO LUPINO:
“In Maggiora I had an overall positive weekend. On Saturday, in qualifying, I missed out on a good position at the starting gate because of a couple of mistakes. I’m happy with my pace because, especially in race two, I showed that I had a chance to score some good positions. Today’s race gave me the right confidence to face the final rounds of this season in the best possible way.”
Next weekend the team will move to Matterley Basin for the British Grand Prix, the final round of the 2023 edition of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
