7th overall in EMX250 for Hofer at Belgian GP and confirmation of 4th place for 2019

7th Rd. EMX250 European Championship 2019 – Lommel (BEL)

Fresh from the Czech Republic and his very first Grand Prix points, Rene Hofer was back on EMX250 European Championship duty at Lommel in Belgium. The bumpy sand was a different prospect compared to the hard-pack of Loket and where the Austrian was able to test his developing speed and skill against the best of the MX2 field.

Nearing the end of his maiden campaign with the KTM 250 SX-F, Hofer was able to demonstrate his rapid progression on the international stage by setting the fastest lap in the second Time Practice group. This gave the youngster a prime spot in the gate for the first moto on Saturday afternoon and #711 moved up from a first lap position of 7th to 4th before being passed late in the race by series leader Stephen Rubini. 

On Sunday morning Hofer was again among the front-runners but a small tip-off halted any presence on the rear wheels of the leaders. He pushed to finish the race distance and collected 9th position.

The results from Lommel leave Rene firmly planted in the top four of the championship table: 80 points from 3rd but 58 away from Thibault Benistant in fifth. Another Grand Prix wild-card beckons in two weeks time with the Italian round at Imola and a week before the EMX250 closer at Uddevalla for the Grand Prix of Sweden. 

Rene Hofer: “I almost had the holeshot in the first moto but then struggled to make a rhythm. I got better and better through the race - and fifth was a decent result – although I wasn't that satisfied with my riding. Another positive start in the second moto, around the top six, and a small crash ruined my race a bit. 9th wasn’t too good but I hope to get a start in Imola now. 4th in the championship is decent for a rookie season. It’s not bad at all but we know more was possible.”

Results EMX250 Belgium 2019

1. Roan Van de Moosdijk (NED) Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR) KTM (3-3)
3. Mikkel Haarup (DEN) Husqvarna (2-8)
4. Alberto Forato (ITA) Husqvarna (9-2)
5. Ken Bengtson (SWE) Husqvarna (6-5)
7. Rene Hofer (AUT) KTM (5-9)

Standings 2019 EMX250 after 07 of 8 rounds

1. Roan Van de Moosdijk, 288 points
2. Stephen Rubini, 277 
3. Alberto Forato, 275 
4. Rene Hofer, 195
5. Thibault Benistant, 137