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Shaun Simpson secures fourth at Dutch GP
Round 3 - 2010 FIM Motocross World Championship
Valkenswaard - Holland - 25/04/10

After two tough motos in the Dutch sand, Factory Red Bull KTM rider Shaun Simpson secured a morale boosting fourth place overall at round three of the 2010 FIM Motocross World Championship as he continues on his path back to full fitness. Looking significantly stronger, faster and much more confident than he had done at the previous Grand Prix in Italy just a couple of weeks earlier, Shaun recorded third and seventh positions in the two energy sapping motos to move up to sixth in the general standings.

The slight break in the GP schedule allowed Simpson to put some extra much needed time in on the bike, which had been lost to his early season injuries. Following his solid showing at the Dutch championship meeting just seven days earlier, the twenty-two year old Scot arrived at the famous Valkenswaard circuit in as good a shape as possible and looking to kick start his 2010 World campaign proper.

Unusually dry and warm weather in more recent weeks meant the normally damp and deep track was much drier and harder than normal, and much different to when Shaun won his maiden GP race twelve months ago before being ruled out of the rest of the season with a potentially career ending leg injury. Simpson made a welcome return to the Dutch circuit by posting the tenth fastest time during Saturday morning's free practice session.

Having found his way around the modified circuit, which now includes a massive man made whoop section, Shaun began to build his speed and finished the pre qualifying period in fifth spot to give himself a great gate pick for Saturday afternoon's qualifying race. With no championship points up for grabs in this twenty minute plus two lap sprint, Simpson did just what was needed and rode a very controlled race.

Up front the pace and action was both fast and furious, with Herlings first crashing out and having to fight his way back through the field, before Musquin tried a brave last lap move on race leader Roczen, which ended up going badly wrong. With the French championship leader on the deck, Shaun moved into a well deserved second place behind the German teenager.
Shaun rounded the first turn of Sunday's opening main moto within sight of the lead, but that was the last he was to see of Herlings as he immediately moved clear of the pack. Simpson settled into his rhythmn and ended the first lap on the tail of the Suzuki duo of Tonus and Roczen. Showing a good consistent pace the young Scot moved into a podium position come lap four, a place he held to the flag despite coming under immense pressure from Frossard during the last ten minutes of the race.
Unable to make such a good start in the second moto, Simpson gave himself an uphill task as he crossed the line for the first time down in ninth spot after losing out on a five way battle in the initial few turns. Wanting to make progress, Shaun found himself swapping lines in an attempt to find a way through, and used valuable energy in doing so. Slowly but surely the KTM teamster made his way forward to grab seventh at the flag, which was enough to secure fourth overall.
Shaun said. "I made a really good start in the first moto and managed to hang with Ken for a couple of laps before settling into my own race. I felt strong and like I had something in reserve, which was good as I had to keep Frossard at bay towards the end of the race. It felt good to be back on the podium, and it was something I was hoping to repeat in race two."
"My start was OK, but I got pushed out wide in the second turn and lost out big time. From that point on it was a struggle, especially towards the end as I had used too much energy trying to chase down the guys in front of me. Overall its been a positive day, I just wish I had made a better job of the second race, and then I would be real happy." Simpson ended.

Grand Prix of the Netherlands
MX2 Moto One: 1: Herlings 2: Roczen 3: Simpson 4: Frossard 5: Tonus
MX2 Moto Two: 1: Herlings 2: Roczen 3: Frossard 4: Van Horebeek 5 Musquin...7: Simpson
MX2 Overall: 1: Herlings 50 2: Roczen 44 3: Frossard 38 4: Simpson 34 5: Musquin 29
MX2 Championship to date: 1: Roczen 130 2: Musquin 129 3: Herlings 122...6: Simpson 87

Keep up to date with Shaun's season on his official website at www.shaunsimpson.com