Podium for Romain Febvre in France

Romain Febvre scores a podium result in the final shakedown race before the FIM World Motocross Championship takes off in Russia next weekend. The Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team got a strong result in France, with a fifth position for Ivo Monticelli.

The opening round of the French Championship at Ernée attracted a truly world-class entry as many GP teams and riders took the opportunity to complete their final preparations before the 2021 GP premiere; indeed this was the first racing opportunity for the Kawasaki Racing Team since their success at the Italian International Championship more than three months ago but they immediately gave evidence of their meticulous preparation during testing as Febvre topped his qualification group with teammate Ivo Monticelli third. Clear skies greeted the teams on race day after heavy rain during the week had created excellent traction to complement the impressive track preparation by the organisers. Wheelspin at the gate cost Febvre a top-six start in the first race but he was soon on the charge and, setting the fastest laps of the race, was established in third by lap four and confirmed his speed over a full race distance by closing down the front two in the final minutes. An impressive second-placed start in race two saw the Kawasaki rider, who again set the fastest lap, pressure the leader to the finish as they outdistanced the chasers by no less than thirty-six seconds; his 3-2 moto placing’s secured third overall on the day.