Jere Haavisto followed his win in yesterday’s race with another dominant performance today to take the overall Grand Prix victory, but it was Brit Albie Wilkie who had the biggest smile at the chequered flag as he was crowned the 2014 Honda 150 European Champion. Just five points separated the two contenders coming into today’s race so it was always going to be a close-run affair. As Haavisto rode away from the field to take his fifth race win of the season, all eyes were on Wilkie as he fought towards the front from sixth position.
In a repeat of yesterday, it was Wilkie versus Rick Elzinga for second place, but this time the championship title was at stake. A third place wasn’t enough for Wilkie; he had to finish second. As Jere disappeared into the distance, able to do no more to strengthen his chances of overhauling Albie in the final race, the Brit gave it his all in his most impressive performance of the season. The championship was decided with just seven minutes of the final race of the season remaining. Wilkie made the pass on Elzinga, and despite the dimunitive Dutchman keeping him in check until the finish, he was unable to remount a serious challenge. With Haavisto taking the win and Wilkie second, Albie becomes the 2014 champion by a margin of just two points. The title secures him a ride with the Honda Jtech team in the 2015 European MX250 category, aboard a Honda CRF250R, and represents a real springboard in his career.
Just as the Honda 150 European Championship has gotten stronger since its inaugural season last year, so it continues to grow with a new expanded calendar already confirmed with YouthStream and the FIM for 2015.
Download here FIM Europe Press Release 129/2014
