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Mathis Valin Impresses with Strong MX2 Debut in Argentina
Mathis Valin made an impressive FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship debut aboard the Kawasaki KX250-SR, securing a fourth-place moto finish in Córdoba, Argentina.
The French teenager quickly validated the Kawasaki Racing Team MX2’s decision to entrust him with the all-new KX250-SR, delivering a solid fifth-place result in Saturday’s dry Qualifying race. He further showcased his versatility by dominating Sunday morning’s wet Warm-up session, clocking laps more than two seconds faster than anyone else.
With track conditions still heavy for the season’s first moto, Valin was in top form, rounding the first turn in third before swiftly moving into second to chase down the leader. He was already showing his rival a wheel when a tank-slapper on a rugged straight sent him to the ground. Despite rejoining in tenth with a damaged front brake, he continued to charge forward. Unfortunately, a collision with a backmarker led to another crash, forcing him to retire with a damaged radiator.
Undeterred, Valin rebounded strongly in race two. After an untidy start left him 13th out of turn one, he fought his way into the top ten by the end of the opening lap. By mid-race, he had climbed to sixth and continued his relentless push. In the final laps, he was the fastest rider on track, holding off the defending world champion to secure an impressive fourth-place finish.
Despite the setbacks in race one, Valin leaves Argentina 11th in the championship standings, just five points shy of the top six.
With valuable experience gained and clear speed on display, Valin and the Kawasaki Racing Team MX2 head back to Europe ready for the next challenge.
Mathis Valin:
"I’ve always felt good in muddy conditions, so I enjoyed the warm-up and was happy to set the fastest lap. In the first moto, I got a great start and was running second, but I had a big crash near the pit lane and damaged the bike, losing my front brake. Later, I crashed again and had to retire. My second start wasn’t great, but I made several passes to get to fourth and was able to control Kay de Wolf behind me in the final laps. I’m happy with my riding—it wasn’t a perfect weekend, but I learned a lot in my first-ever MX2 GP.”