One of the standout results from the Grand Prix of Mexico was Wilvo Yamaha’s Arnaud Tonus occupying fourth place overall and represented the best finish so far from the Swiss after just five appearances in the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship (he was a wild-card in the final round of 2016 at Glen Helen in the USA).

Tonus went 6-4 at Leon and was part of a busy second race tussle for podium places; it was arguably his strongest showing yet on the YZ450F and since coming back to Europe after two injury-plagued terms in the U.S. as part of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

“It’s been coming,” said the Swiss by way of explanation for the speed and form and after classifications of 14th, 15th and 15th in the three rounds prior to Mexico and the last flyaway for MXGP until last summer. “I take confidence from my physical shape, and I know I can push strong right through the moto. The track wasn’t the best but it pushed you to be creative and look for other things to try and make a pass. I had the speed in Mexico – like I did in Argentina – but it was nice to back it up with a result.”

The 25 year old is one of three high profile rookies in MXGP in 2017 for what is also his first campaign steering a 450 machine in anger. “It’s taken me some time to get used to the 450 but I feel at one with the bike now and really like the Yamaha,” he explained. “The issue for me was the power of the 450 – it felt too much – so we had to tame it down and make the bike work the best the way I ride.”

The former MX2 grand prix winner (taking honours at the 2014 Grand Prix of Brazil at Beto Carrero) will now be hoping to extend his momentum with the Trentino round at Arco di Trento on Easter weekend and then a dip into the sand of the Eurocircuit at Valkenswaard. “I like Arco and have had some good results there before and I’m living in Belgium now so Valkenswaard is a good one for me also,” he said.

Photos by Ray Archer