Simpson finishes fourth overall at Lierop
Round 14 - 2010 FIM Motocross World Championship
Lierop - Netherlands - 05/09/10

Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson made a strong return to racing after having dislocated his shoulder just two weeks ago, with an excellent fourth place overall in the deep and demanding Dutch sand that defines Lierop as one of the most feared circuits in the World. Not able to ride until earlier this week Shaun showed great courage as he placed 4 -7 over the two tough motos to just miss out on a podium place and to give himself a real chance of moving up the general standings come next week's closing Grand Prix in Italy.

Twenty-two year old Simpson showed great maturity throughout the weekend and rode intelligently to protect his injured left shoulder. With the track at its smoothest and fastest during the initial free practice session on Saturday morning, Shaun was content to find his own speed and lines and was more than satisfied with posting a time that put him just inside the top ten.

Knowing that his shoulder would tire as the punishing two day schedule took its effect on the damaged joint, Simpson also adopted a conservative approach in the following session, although his sand experience still allowed him to move up to fifth place. The young Scot then converted this into a solid sixth place in the qualifying race to give himself a good enough place on the gate for Sunday's two main motos.

The KTM teamster did not make the best of starts in the opening race on Sunday lunchtime, but showed no sign of panic as he crossed the line for the first time in sixth place. One lap later and Shaun was on the move overtaking Tonus to move up into fifth, and all this whilst riding with a heavily strapped left shoulder. With Roczen ruled out of the race a few laps later due to a mechanical problem Simpson found himself elevated to fourth spot, which he managed to maintain to the finish with some sensible and thoughtful riding.

Matching his earlier performance in the second moto, when the circuit was at its roughest and his body was now at its weakest, was always going to be a tall order and Shaun knew that before he went to the line for the last time. Again Simpson was unable to find one of his trademark lightning starts and found himself in sixth spot at the end of the first lap. Happy just to bring him and his bike home the young Scot dug deep as he fought to find his lines and speed on a worsening track. With just two laps to go Osborne would eventually demote Shaun to seventh, but this was still a great result given the circumstances.

Happy with his day's work Simpson said. "Earlier this week I was not sure if I was going to be able to ride or not this weekend. Even when I rode on Tuesday and Wednesday although I was happy that my shoulder was better than I first thought it might be, I was still aware that it was going to be tough to come here this weekend and to just survive, let alone get some decent results."

"I was really happy with the first race, because although I didn't get the best of starts my speed was good right through the race. I could hardly believe it as I crossed the line in fourth place. I didn't ride well in the second moto and just couldn't find any good lines or rhythm. I knew my speed was a fair bit off the pace, however I just tried to have on as long as possible. It was shame that I dropped a place on the last couple of laps, but overall I am delighted how it has gone this weekend."

"Hopefully I can do something similiar in Italy next weekend and move up a few places in the final standings." Shaun ended.

Grand Prix of Benelux
MX2 Moto One: 1: Gautier 2: Roelants 3: Musquin 4: Simpson 5: Frossard
MX2 Moto Two: 1: Roczen2: Musquin 3: Gautier 4: Roelants 5: Kullas...7:Simpson
MX2 Overall: 1: Gautier 45 2: Musquin 42 3: Roelants 40 4: Simpson 32
MX2 Championship to date: 1: Musquin 613 2: Roczen 524 3: Frossard 446…7: Simpson 361


Click here to view images [1] [2] [3]

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

Web quality image by kind permission of rayarcher.com
High resolution copyright free images for editorial use available on request.