Former World MX2 champion and one of the hottest prospects in the sport, Kay de Wolf returned to the MXGP podium with a commanding second-place finish at the MXGP of Flanders, delivering a pair of runner-up results at Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s home Grand Prix.

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Known as #LommelWood, the legendary Belgian circuit provided one of the toughest tests of the season, with deep sand, shifting lines and relentless bumps placing huge demands on both riders and machinery. With the team’s workshop located just beyond the circuit, the event carried added significance for the entire Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing organisation.

Fresh from announcing a new multi-year agreement with Husqvarna Factory Racing and Nestaan, de Wolf opened the weekend with second place in Saturday’s MXGP qualifying race.

The Dutchman emerged fifth from the opening corners of race one before quickly finding his rhythm. He charged into third on the opening lap, passed Tim Gajser for second on lap four and produced a controlled ride to secure the runner-up position.

De Wolf made another strong recovery in race two. After running fifth during the early stages, he moved into third and began closing on Romain Febvre. A late crash for the Frenchman promoted de Wolf to second, completing a superb 2-2 scorecard and his third MXGP podium of the season.

The result marked an emotional return to the Lommel podium for De Wolf and provided the perfect conclusion to a weekend that began with confirmation of his long-term future with the team.

The talented Husqvarna rider spoke with the media after his podium finish and below is what he told us.

MXLarge: First of all, you're someone who believed in yourself. You showed today what you can do, how was it from your seat? You chased, uh, Jeffrey, in first race and also in second, but how was it for you and to be back on the podium here. Kind of your GP as well?

De Wolf: I learned a lot this weekend. Yesterday actually I rode pretty good. Followed Jeffrey for the first fifteen minutes, maybe twelve, fifteen minutes, something like that, then I let him go because I knew I needed my energy in the second moto, which I was happy actually I reduced the speed a bit, a little bit yesterday and saved some energy because I really needed it. Yeah, just like I said, I've learned a lot. I went in the wrong direction this morning into the first moto. It is just something we learn from. I'm happy actually [chuckles] it happened because now, in Arnhem we won't make the same mistake. So, that's what we're here for. That's also what the plan was when, when we came back to learn, and today we learned a lot again. So, yeah, I'm really happy with that. Showed good speed, and I'm on the box, so that's what we hoped for and what we worked for, and that's what happened. That first moto I couldn't come close to Jeffrey, the second moto, Jeffrey was gone straight away as well. I had to come from further actually this time. But yeah, I managed to get second again, so I'm really happy with that result.

MXLarge: We know you're going to stay in MXGP, how important it is to do this kind of racing, among the, the best and be one of the best as well?

De Wolf: Yeah, it's really important. I could have said that I was not going to race anymore this season and work on my foot, but I decided to come back and learn things, and that's what we've done this weekend. So, I'm really happy with this decision and, yeah, like I said, it just makes me better for next year. So, we keep on learning and, it's basically maybe a rookie mistake. That's how we can call it. So, I'm happy, I'm happy with today and really looking forward for Arnhem. It's going to be a little bit of a different track. I think it will suit me a little bit better, so, a bit more flowy, a bit more open. So yeah, I'm really looking forward for Arnhem, and that's what we're going to work for physically because, yeah, coming back from the injury, I felt today that I wasn't there yet. I've raced Dutch Masters against Jeffrey, which is completely different. They are one day races. They are five or ten minutes shorter. So, they are a bit different, but, yeah, I felt like my physical side was still a little bit off coming back from my injury. But I think with another three weeks under the belt, I can, uh, show some good things in Arnhem.

MXLarge: Obviously you mentioned the foot injury there. Are you in any pain at all, or like are you feeling good around the track with your foot? And I think you told Lisa a few weeks ago that you might need surgery in the off season. Is that confirmed yet? And what, what will your off season look like if you need surgery? Cause obviously the, the winter gets shorter and shorter.

De Wolf: I will probably need surgery in the winter, but it will only be better for my career. So, we're going to take it this winter. And it won't be too long, so I'm happy with that actually. But, yeah, like I said, it will be better for my career. And just to come back on your first part of your question, it feels a bit unstable, so this morning actually, right here, I landed deep in a bump and that's the biggest problem. As soon as I G out I will, be too far on my toes, so I have to put my foot a bit more forward. I mean, we can manage it and as long as we can manage it, we can learn, and yeah, that's what we're here for. I'm just pleased to be here, be on the podium, and I'm happy and looking forward for the next few GPs and just learn.

MXLarge: So, the second race, you were very quick to make passes, coming into third, and going to second place, that took a long time. I want to know, was that kind of the plan to wait a bit for the second place, or what was the plan that second race?

De Wolf: I mean, of course I wanted to win, but Jeffrey was already gone by the time I started around seven, eight, I can't really remember actually, and I got up quite fast. At one point I was in P3, and Romain had an eight second gap on me, got it to six seconds, then it actually stayed on six seconds for a few laps. And then it was around four laps left and I really charged the wanted to charge the last four laps and just go for black. So, that's what we did. And then I was next to Romain, ready to make the pass, got down, make the pass. Then he hit the inject button. So, massive crash and, yeah, that's what happened.