Glenn Coldenhoff and David Braceras were flying the flag for Fantic Factory Racing at the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina, kicking off the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship in the beautiful scenery of Villa La Angostura.
Unfortunately, two Fantic riders missed the season opener due to injuries. Back in Europe, Kay Karssemakers resumed training on his XXF 250 and is targeting the MXGP of Spain (23th and 24th of March) to start his MX2 World Championship campaign. Fantic Factory Racing MXGP’s Roan van de Moosdijk picked up a knee injury in the pre-season, an update on his return and debut in the premier class will be shared when available.
MXGP
Glenn Coldenhoff proved his good feelings on the Fantic XXF 450 with a strong fifth place in the first time practice of the new MXGP season. After a good start in the qualifying race, he slipped in the first lap and lost several positions. Glenn fought back and secured the 12th gate pick for Sunday’s races.
Fast out of the gate in race 1, the Flying Dutchman found himself battling it out in the top group. His strong race pace and physical condition allowed him to cross the finish line in sixth place. The start of race 2 was not as perfect as the first one and Glenn struggled to find the pace in the first laps of the moto while the front riders pulled away. The Fantic Factory rider tried to make up ground, eventually finishing in eighth, which resulted in a solid P7 overall.
Glenn Coldenhoff: “Despite the start of the weekend being a bit slow, in the end we found solutions for the race. I was 12th in Saturday’s qualifying race because of a collision on the first lap. On Sunday, there was quite some action, I was 6th in the first moto while in the second one I didn’t feel comfortable, I couldn’t push and I just couldn’t feel it. I finished 8th which is not what we are working for but still, I am happy because it’s a very sketchy track and not one of my favourites. We will take both results and look forward to the Spanish GP because I know I can do very well there. I’m very motivated and I’m very happy with the bike and the team.”
MX2
David Braceras’ pre-season was affected by an injury sustained in January. Not yet in his best physical shape, the Spaniard tried to find the right feeling with his new Fantic XXF 250 and set the 14th fastest time in the time practice. In the first part of the qualifying race, David worked his way into the top ten but lost ground in the final stages, eventually finishing in 13th place.
At the start of race 1, a contact with another rider made it difficult for Braceras to place himself in a solid spot after the first corner. He tried to make up ground but a crash hindered his progress dropping him far back. The Fantic Factory Rider crossed the finish line in 21st place. In race 2, David found himself in the middle of the pack after the start but a good pace allowed him to fight and reach the 13th position. In the overall, he classified 17th.
David Braceras: “The first GP is over. Saturday was my first race after my injury and, despite being a bit tight, it was a solid day as I finished 13th in the qualifying race. On Sunday I felt much better. The first moto didn’t start well but I got to tenth place in the first lap, then I dropped a little bit because of a crash and I couldn’t get up fast. I finished 21st. Second moto didn’t start well either, but I felt much better after a change on the suspensions and I finished in 13th place. I was close to the top ten so it’s positive even if it’s not where I want to be but step by step we’ll get there.”
