Ben Watson on 'disaster' in Turkey
By Andrew Hill on 9th Sep 21
Ben Watson will be glad to see the back of the Afyon track in Turkey. If they were being honest, I think many riders will be happy to have put this first double-header of the year behind them.
Although the MXGP rookie improved on his points haul from the Sunday Grand Prix, he considered the day a "disaster".
Again Watson was unable to push himself on a track he never felt at one with and left him qualifying down in 22nd place out of 26 riders on the gate. That outside pick is a considerable disadvantage on the Afyon circuit.
Ben Watson
You add that to Watson's unwillingness to push the limits as much as some around him and you end up hoping for a miracle start.
And that's what the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider was able to do in the first moto on Wednesday. Exiting the first turn in 12th place he more than held his own with those around him to take the chequers in 11th.
Sadly, the second moto start was more typical of what he endured on Sunday and he finished outside the points in 21st place. Still, Watson secured 16th overall and is now looking ahead to the first MXGP of Sardegna at Riola Sardo on Sardinia.
Ben Watson
"I just felt a bit lost all day," said the 24-year-old. "Not worse than Sunday, but on a similar level. I really struggled in qualifying and the start is unfair here, so I was all of the way on the outside.
"I was top 10 in the first moto, which was a good start from where I was, and I just followed. That was the first race. I just had no connection to the track. The second moto was no better. It was just not my day.
"I have had another disaster day if I am honest... I havent felt like myself out there on that track.
"I am not willing to take the risk that the other guys are on a track like this. I need to work on that.
"I am happy to leave here in one piece and get ready to go again. Im looking forward to some of the races coming up, were back in the sand next and I look forward to that."
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