The circuit of Arroyomolinos, situated just outside Madrid, hosted the Grand Prix of Spain, the second round of the FIM Motocross World Championship 2024 and the first European race of the season. The proximity to the Iberian capital and the almost summery weather drew a large audience that filled the stands around the track throughout the weekend.
Words and Images by Betamotor
In Qualifying, Ben Watson (Beta RX450) – who had started in 19th position – was the author of a steady comeback, finishing in a good 13th position. He also confirmed this position in the first heat. In the second heat Watson improved his times even more and finished 12th. Thanks to these positions, the rider was 10th in the Overall of the day and 12th in the Championship Standings.
Ivo Monticelli (Beta RX450) struggled to find his rhythm in the deep tracks of the Spanish circuit and set the 17th fastest time in the Time Trial. In Qualifying, he started in 10th position and after holding the position for a few laps finished 14th. In the title races Monticelli defended himself well by twice finishing 13th, first of all Italians. He also confirmed this position in the day’s Overall and Championship Standings.
Ben Watson
“I have to admit that it was a tough race for me. In general, I didn’t have a good feeling throughout the weekend, especially when I tried to increase my speed. In qualifying it went better, so I managed to secure a good position at the gate. During the heats I struggled to find a rhythm that would allow me to be fast enough. Unfortunately at the moment I can’t hit the starts and together with the team we will have to work a lot to improve. When you start behind then it is really very difficult to catch up. I am confident for the next race in Sardinia because I have always been fast on the sand.”
Ivo Monticelli
“On Saturday I had difficulty finding the feeling with the bike and the track. On the track that offers a lot of grip I struggle to lap hard and in the time trials I preferred not to take any risks and be content with 17th position. In qualifying I got off to a good start and after doing a few laps close to the top ten I finished 14th. In the first heat I found myself behind in the first laps but recovered up to 12th position, a placing I lost in the final when I was overtaken by an opponent. In Race 2 I got off to a better start and stayed mostly 12th until I was overtaken by my team mate. Despite the difficulties, I finished 13th in the day’s Overall. Especially in the last ten minutes of race 2 I felt a lot of fatigue and I will definitely have to improve here for the next rounds.”
In a couple weeks the MRT Racing Team Beta Factory will be competing in the Grand Prix of Sardinia, the 3rd round of the FIM 2024 Motocross World Championship and the 1st of two consecutive races to be held in Italy, which will be hosted by the “Riola Sand” track located in the town of Riola Sardo in the province of Oristano
