There’s not many people that would have put money on Husaberg’s Pela Renet to be leading the Enduro 2 World Championship as the 2012 series reaches the halfway point. Granted, he’s already showed the world he’s fast enough to win races, but to be 15 points clear of everyone else – not too many expected that!
But the facts show Renet has consistently become the top performer in the ultra competitive E2 class. With four wins from eight starts to his credit, in averaging 33 points scored at each GP held so far the Husaberg rider is proving to be ‘the man’ in Enduro 2. And in a class in which his rivals collectively hold 15 Enduro World Championship titles, well, that makes the former MX3 World Motocross Champion’s achievements to date all the more creditable.
Following a difficult start to his season, where he finished a lowly sixth on day one at the GP of Chile, the Frenchman bounced back in style securing his first win of the championship on day two. Placing fourth on both days in Argentina, Pela ended the GP of Euskadi in Spain as the first rider to claim a double E2 victory this season.
Arriving in Portugal as the newly appointed championship leader, Renet set to work maximising his advantage. Unable to match the early pace set by eventual day one winner Johnny Aubert, Renet wisely settled for second.
Quickly learning that day one was won and lost on the opening lap, he immediately powered his way to the front of the E2 field on day two. Opening up a slender eight-second lead by the end of the opening lap he then battled head-to-head with Aubert for the top spot. Matching his countryman second for second throughout the final six tests of the day, Pela held on for a well-deserved and confidence boosting win.
With the championship now at the halfway point Renet has so far done little wrong. In prime position at the top of the E2 class, few would now bet against the tall Frenchman making a run for this year’s E2 crown. But with 160 points still to play for, and four tough GPs still remaining, you can rest assured Pela won’t be taking anything for granted just yet…
