Round seven of the FIM Motocross World Championship that took place on the extremely rough sand circuit of Kegums, Latvia, on Sunday 7th May, was a day of highs and lows for Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP riders Shaun Simpson & Arnaud Tonus. Both riders were phenomenal in the opening race of the day with Simpson challenging for a podium finish – but finishing 4th, while Tonus charged through the field for an honorable 8th after a DNF in Qualifying putting him last in the starting order. In the final race of the day, both riders fell foul to the choppiness of the circuit with Simpson crashing out on lap 11, and Tonus on lap 12.
Tonus was seen to by the track-side medical crew for precautionary examination after falling heavily on his back and neck. The Swiss rider was cleared and should be fit to resume training in a week’s time.
Simpson was less fortunate and suffered a broken hand which required surgical intervention. The Scot flew back to Belgium for an appointment with a hand and foot specialist who repaired the bone with a plate, five screws and two nails. After a successful operation, he was discharged from Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Herentals, Belgium, late Monday night.
Simpson hopes to make his Grand Prix return at the MXGP of Lombardia in Italy on the weekend of June 25th.
Shaun Simpson
Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Rider
“It was a bummer to be riding so well and make a small mistake which has resulted in a big disaster for the season. I was just starting to pick up the pace and we were making some good progress, so I am disappointed especially because I didn’t even crash, I just made a mistake and hit the ropes on the side of the track and broke my hand.
I’ve seen the X-Ray’s following the operation and the bone looks good. I am not in too much pain. I am optimistic that in four or five weeks I can start training 100% and even be back on the bike. For now my main focus is to try and be back for Ottobiano so that will mean that I will definitely miss three GP’s. I am feeling pretty optimistic given the circumstances and I am happy to have finished fourth in the first race, so that secured the feeling that I can still run the pace. I have a lot of good people around me and that has really stood out over the last two days. I will continue my physical training as much as I can, and I will try to be back as fast as possible.”
Erik Eggens
Yamaha Motor Europe Off-road Racing Manager
“It’s a pity to lose Shaun for some of the races. He has had great results this year and in the first race in Latvia he showed good speed and consistency, he pushed the top three and showed what he is capable of achieving. To have an injury like this which was caused without crashing is very unlucky and unfortunate for him, the team and for Yamaha. He is a positive guy and I am sure with this attitude and with his work ethic and determination that he will be back quick. Right now the focus is for him to heal up 100% and to take the time necessary to make a good recovery.”
Louis Vosters
Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team Manager
“I was really happy with the first moto, both riders rode really well. What happened in the second race, I was shocked. To lose two riders in the space of two laps, it was a nightmare. It was really unfortunate to have this happen, especially for Shaun, he didn’t even crash and now he has a broken hand. On the positive side, I am sure Shaun will come back strong and as fast as possible, and I think we can expect to have Arnaud back in Teutschenthal at the MXGP of Germany.”