Liam Everts delivered a strong performance at the iconic Foxhills circuit this weekend, securing fourth overall in MX2 at the MXGP of Great Britain. The Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing rider battled steep climbs, hardened ruts and relentless heat as the FIM Motocross World Championship returned to the historic venue for the first time since 2000.
Foxhills, which first hosted a Grand Prix in June 1992, remains one of British motocross’ most demanding venues. The 1,793-metre circuit features huge hills, steep elevation changes and a technical hardpack surface that punishes even the smallest mistake. After a spell of hot weather, the track was heavily watered throughout the weekend, leaving the surface baking beneath the sun by Sunday afternoon.
Everts looked sharp from the outset in the opening moto, launching into second before Simon Längenfelder found a way past near the top of one of the climbs. The young Belgian settled into third and held the position to the finish, securing 20 championship points.
Conditions proved even tougher for the second moto. Starting fourth, Everts quickly closed on Sacha Coenen, with less than half a second between them by lap six. A front-end washout late on lap seven dropped him to fifth, but he regrouped and repassed Coenen before spending the closing laps chasing Camden McLellan for the final podium place. He reduced the gap but ran out of laps, crossing the line fourth.
His 3-4 results gave him fourth overall on 38 points, narrowly missing the podium on countback to McLellan. The result marks another positive weekend for the Belgian, who showed speed and composure whilst continuing to build momentum. He remains fifth in the MX2 World Championship standings with 477 points, whilst Husqvarna holds third in the manufacturers’ standings.
“It was a positive weekend overall,” said Everts. “The speed was there from the beginning and I felt comfortable on what is one of the toughest tracks on the calendar. In the first race I managed things well for third, and in the second I was pushing hard before I made a small mistake that probably cost me a podium. That’s frustrating, but it’s part of racing. The important thing is that the pace is there and we’re moving in the right direction.”
Guillem Farres took the overall victory with a perfect 1-1 scorecard, whilst Längenfelder finished second overall. Meanwhile, Kay de Wolf continues to recover well from injury and is making encouraging progress with his rehabilitation, with the Dutchman expected to return to MXGP action soon.
The FIM Motocross World Championship now turns its attention to the MXGP of the Czech Republic at Loket on 26 July.
Photo: Husqvarna Media
