Current Swiss MX1 championship leader Jérémy Delincé has been drafted into the 24MX Honda Racing team to replace the injured Jens Getteman. Delincé will tackle his new challenge with several seasons of MX1 experience under his belt. The 23-year old Belgian is set to make his MXGP debut on the 24MX Honda CRF450R in Matterley Basin, this weekend.
The highly regarded Matterly Basin venue has always been a favourite with riders and fans. The popular track features many evelation changes, and has a fast and flowing layout set in a truly unique, spacious area. Xavier Boog comes into the event with seven top-10 finishes in the last eight moto’s. Smooth and consistent as ever the multiple French champ is also rebuilding his speed. He took the holeshot in the first moto at Talevera de la Reina and showed his best riding of the season so far. At his last visit to Winchester, in 2012, Xavier recorded an impressive fifth place.
Reigning Swiss champion Délince never rode before in Matterly Basin but the 23-year old Belgian looks forward to his MXGP debut. The fast and wide track should suit him. While the weather forecast predicts heavy showers for the British this shouldn’t bother the 24MX Honda riders. Boog feels very much at home in the mud and his new team mate Delincé surprised many by winning the super wet first moto of the Belgian Masters race in Kester two years ago.
Xavier Boog: “The weekend off was nice, but I still rode a lot. I feel that my riding is getting better and better and my speed is improving. Now, we have to confirm this in the races. For me Matterly Basin is always one of the highlights of the season! The track is amazing, it’s always well prepared as well. And I really like the atmosphere at Matterly Basin. British fans are passionate, loud and they like to have a good time. Bring it on, I say!”
Jérémy Delincé: “The last couple of days have been pretty hectic! We had a lot of practical stuff to sort out, but we have been productive with the bike as well. I was able to ride a couple of times, get my riding position sorted out and we found a good base setup for the suspension. My first impression of the Honda is that the bike is quite powerful, has a wide powerband yet feels easy to ride. I like it so far! This gives us some peace of mind when we approach the GP weekend. I feel good but the competition in MXGP is really tough so we’re going to take it step by step. I will give it everything I got and we will see how it goes.”
Best 24MX Honda (previously LS Honda) results at the British GP
2013: /
2012: 15th with Jonathan Barragan in MX1
2011: 14th with Shaun Simpson in MX1
2010: No British GP
2009: 3rd with Clément Desalle in MX1?, 13th with Dennis Verbruggen in MX2
2008: 17th with Wyatt Avis in MX2