After experiencing mixed fortunes in the last two GPs LS Honda Racing riders Shaun Simpson and Ken De Dycker are determined to improve their championship standings in the weeks to come.
The Grand Prix of France in St Jean d’Angely – round five of 15 – marks the first of an intense period of three consecutive races with Portugal and Spain following back-to-back.
Despite feeling slightly under the weather since returning from the recent Grand Prix in Brazil, Simpson claimed a well deserved fourth place overall at the highly regarded Belgian championship round of Kester last weekend. Simpson rode his CRF450 R to pole position in qualifying and added two fourth places and a fifth to his scorecard.
The Scottish ace is now third in the series behind Desalle and team mate De Dycker. De Dycker was forced to retire in the opening moto but scored a solid fourth and second in the remaining races.
In order to add some race rhythm to his preparation for St Jean d’Angely Simpson also opted to race Thursday at the Open Dutch Championship in Rhenen. With two second places Shaun finished second behind Evgeny Bobryshev, home rider Marc De Reuver was third.
“My Kester results were pretty good, still my speed could have been better,” says Shaun. “On the other hand I felt very weak in Brazil and also after coming back. Rhenen turned out okay today. I went there as thorough practice and I was riding quite relaxed in both motos. Unfortunately I didn’t have the speed to match Bobryshev and fight for the win, he was just too fast here. We have three hard weeks of GP racing coming up now and I will give everything I’ve got. My aim for the French GP is to score two top 10 places. Normally I like the dirt and the track but I heard they made some changes so we’ll see how that plays out.”
