Jeremy Seewer: Building In 2022

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider Jeremy Seewer might want to leave the 2021 season behind. Having finished second in the world in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020, the rider from Switzerland probably hoped for an upgrade in the world rankings eventually, but sickness, a bout of Covid and other issues saw him finish in fourth place in the MXGP championship points last year.

With a good off-season though, Seewer arrived at the opening round of the 2022 season in England with high hopes and huge motivation to take it to four-time world motocross champion Tim Gajser. With Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre not racing due to injury, the job should have been easier than it was.

“Our winter preparation was super short. I was happy with how it went; I had a lot of fun. Even though there was almost no ‘off-season’ I felt really strong, relaxed and fully recovered both mentally and physically, so I was ready to start the new season. This year I want to be as far up front as possible and fighting for podium finishes every weekend. Obviously, I want some GP wins, because the one I had in Arco last year felt amazing, and I want more of this feeling. I am feeling super on the bike. We didn’t make too many changes, but what we did adapt is going in a good direction. I feel good in all areas of my life, with the bike, on the bike, and especially with the people I have around me in ‘Team 91’, so I’m ready!”

Sure enough, the British GP was a solid performance, with a near victory in one of the races and a final finishing place on the podium. A great start to what Seewer hoped would be a highlight reel on his CV. The perfect start to 2022 and confidence and motivation to head to round two in Italy with another great results.

“It was a really positive day. I’ve never started the season this far up front. I’ve never started the season on the podium, so it’s pretty good. It shows I’m ready. I enjoyed the racing. The track was difficult but really nice, and the sun was super low, so it was quite tricky. I’m super happy, except for the first race when I thought I had the win in the pocket, but I lost the front and then caught some ruts, and my legs weren’t long enough to save me. I am on the podium, I’m fit and I’m happy with everything and the team around me, so it’s all positive. I’m ready for more.”

In Italy, again it was a small mistake that saw him drop from the lead of a race and crashing in both races, but Seewer looked strong at times and can take a lot of confidence from his showing. Fourth place in the championship behind Tim Gajser, Jorge Prado and Maxime Renaux might be good for some riders, but Seewer wants a lot more than fourth position.

“There were some positives to take away from round one. My speed is very good, starts are good, we are consistently there, I'm feeling good, and starting off on the podium. There were some mistakes made and a couple of things I need to work on. I like Mantova, but it isn’t my favourite track, but for some reason, I always do well there, so I guess it suits me. I actually feel really good with everything, but I just couldn’t make it happen. Made some stupid mistakes, but this is Mantova, many square edge bumps and riding with a scoop tyre on this surface. Looking at the positives, I was at the front of the start in both races but messed it up twice with small tip overs in both races. It’s tough to come back through the pack on this track, so I did well to pass so many riders, but it wasn’t enough. It’s quite frustrating, but the season is long, and I am still in the game, so that is the most important thing.”

Now heading to Argentina in a little less than two weeks, the Yamaha factory man can look to get back on the box, build some confidence for the European return and some tracks he really enjoys. For now, though, more work and get rid of those silly little mistakes that have cost him moto wins and a handful of points.

Photo Copyright: Yamaha Racing