Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Lucas Coenen secured back-to-back GP wins in Portugal, dominating the weekend by first winning the qualifying race on Saturday, then sweeping both motos on Sunday. He achieved a perfect weekend, collecting the maximum 60 championship points and continuing the winning momentum he created from Switzerland.
Words by Edward Heather – Images courtesy of KTM – Juan Pablo Acevedo
“Really good weekend, winning all three motos in the tricky conditions”, reflected Coenen. “I didn’t expect it coming in, but, I won the three [races] back-to-back-to-back and now back-to-back GP overalls which I’m really happy with!”
Despite being only 18-years of age and a rookie in the class, Coenen is quickly displaying that he has the tools to contend for top-honours in the class every weekend, amongst some of the most experienced racers in the world.
“I take it race by race”, affirmed Coenen. “I just try my best, if I get second, that’s also good. I just try to be consistent, be smooth, take good starts and keep my feet on the ground”.
Entering the season, Coenen sustained injuries to both of his wrists and the details regarding the extent of the injuries were kept under wraps.
“We had some problems heading into the season”, he said. “Now, I am getting back in shape and we are getting there, tough times make you stronger in the end they say, so now I am getting better and better, and try to be the same as them, in my head I am not 18 and I am like them [laughs].”
Heading into the MXGP of Portugal, Tim Gajser was the series points leader but was unable to line up due to the shoulder injury sustained in Switzerland. This means the title picture has been turned upside down, but Coenen has a different outlook on this.
“Yeah sure, but I miss Tim”, said Coenen when asked about the title fight being turned upside down. “Tim is a really close friend, we are getting on really good. Obviously, on the track it is different but always have good [times] with him. I am mad, he doesn’t deserve this, he is a big champion” affirmed Coenen. “I hope he is getting better because I miss him and the racing with him, I can learn a lot, so I hope he will be back soon and we can have some good laughs.”
Coenen is positioned third in the series standings, 43 points behind series points leader Romain Febvre and 18 points behind Tim Gajser, who we expect him to overtake this weekend unless he faces his own problems which prevent him from scoring points.
