Glenn Coldenhoff’s performance to a 1-2 scorecard through the motos at Kegums last weekend to hand Suzuki their first Grand Prix victory of the season may have been helped by the disappointing news for the 24-year-old prior to the races that he will not be staying with the manufacturer for a third term.
The Dutchman’s unexpected potential for victory came off the back of some quietly decent speed in MXGP in his debut championship on the RM-Z450 where he has worked to establish his name as part of the top 10 in the premier class.
His progress – his was 10th in the standings prior to Kegums and remains so – was not enough for the Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe squad who are closely linked to the factory crew run by Sylvain Geboers; the set-up that is mired in rumours and gossip that 10-time world champion Stefan Everts is set for a buy out of the Lommel based operation. Coldenhoff provided the perfect repost to his contract situation by shining on the right track and at the right time.
“For the moment [I have] nothing yet,” Coldenhoff said when asked about his plans for 2016 and with most of the factory seats already settled. “I cannot stay at Suzuki but I think I might get a call in the coming weeks!”
Coldenhoff admits that he is a confidence rider and has worked his way to the top through shoulder and knee injuries. He won his first GP in MX2 at Matterley Basin in 2013 and was an early title contender in 2014 until he blew-out his left knee. “I think you can compare the wins,” he said when asked to place his Kegums achievement next to the milestone in the UK. “It is the same feeling but now with the big boys, and it is pretty crazy to win. I have the confidence now. Okay, there are a lot of sand tracks coming up but that doesn’t matter. I’ve been getting stronger and stronger and been feeling better on my bike. I have made big steps in the last few weeks and it turned out to deliver a GP win.”
Arrangements for 2016 are expected to enter their final phases in the next fortnight and around the Grand Prix of Czech Republic with Red Bull KTM set to decide on their second rider and also clarification of Suzuki’s riders for the new season also coming to the fore.
