Back-to-back MX2 podiums for Mathis Valin

Mathis Valin of the Kawasaki Racing Team MX2 secured his second consecutive podium finish at the French round of the FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship held at Lacapelle-Marival. Starting strongly in both races, Valin demonstrated impressive gate selection and racecraft, battling fiercely for the lead in the opening moto before settling into a close four-rider battle in the second. His consistent performance saw him finish third overall, marking a significant step forward in his championship campaign. The weekend proved pivotal for Valin, who climbed to sixth in the overall standings and reduced the points gap to the series leader by fifteen. The tight and demanding French circuit tested his endurance and skill, with Valin managing to fend off rivals on a track where overtaking was challenging. His progress was noted by Kawasaki team manager Antti Pyrhönen, who highlighted Valin’s resilience following a recent injury and expressed confidence in his potential to achieve future Grand Prix victories. Alongside Valin, Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki’s Francisco Garcia made a notable GP debut, finishing tenth overall despite competing as a wild card entrant. The Spanish teenager showed promise by maintaining a strong position among seasoned factory riders and advancing from mid-pack in the second race. His teammate Jake Cannon also gained valuable experience, overcoming an early crash in race one to improve his standing in the second, ultimately finishing fifteenth overall. Both Garcia and Cannon used the break in their European EMX250 schedules to gain exposure to the higher level of competition in the MX2 World Championship. Their performances underscored the depth of emerging talent within the Kawasaki ranks and provided a platform for further development. The team will look to build on these experiences as the season progresses, aiming to convert promising outings into consistent top finishes.