Cairoli is closing in on the MXGP Red Plate
It was Antonio Cairoli's sixth podium finish of the season last weekend and this also means that the Red Bull KTM rider is on track to win his seventh consecutive title during the course of the championship. The Sicilian has not yet conquered the red plate because Rockstar Suzuki rider Clement Desalle and Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna rider Max Nagl first rode it. But because Desalle has a shoulder injury and Nagl has already missed the podium in two Grand Prix's, Cairoli is only 19 points off the leading position.
The world champion was not a big fan of the Villars sous Ecot circuit in France, despite having held off final winner Romain Febvre in the opening series. It was his fifth series win of the year and has now won three of the last six series on the 2016 450SX-F. He started poorly in the second series and eventually finished seventh, which still gave him a podium place. “It was quite a difficult GP for me all weekend,” he said afterwards. “The circuit was certainly not one of the best. You couldn't do what you wanted, you just had to watch out… and be careful. I made a mistake in the second heat, but this was still better than finishing sixteenth. I had to be quick to make up some time. But I certainly didn't want to crash, but wanted to score as many points as possible. In any case, I am satisfied and I was able to make up two points on Max.”
Cairoli is still adjusting to the 450SX-F after six seasons of feeling great on the 350SX-F. With the hard track in Spain (Talavera) and the stony surface in France and the extensive circuit of Matterly Basin (England), he has already had three different circuits to experiment with the right set-up. “I still don't know what my limit is and I also think the level for the MXGP is a bit higher this year,” he says. “The speed is very high and with the 350 it is difficult to stay ahead of those guys. OK on some circuits the 350 bike is better, but on others you have to go for 100% and you take risks of falling. Besides, I've fallen too many times already! I am also happy with the switch to the 450 because it is also a great bike.”
Text: Adam Wheeler / OTOR
Photo: KTM
Also to read
Perfect weekend for Maxi Nagl
The second race of the ADAC MX Masters was dominated by Maxi Nagl. The KMP Honda rider managed to triumph in three heats on the Dreetz circuit. Second place is…Kooiker wins everything, Mesters in the lead
The second match of the ADAC Youngster Cup was won by Dave Kooiker. The KTM rider managed to win all three heats on the Dreetz circuit. …VIDEO: Nancy van de Ven explains her work for MXGP Academy
During the MXGP of Spain, an MXGP Academy was held to guide young motocross riders. Nancy van de Ven hung up her helmet and is now an official…Ernecker wins again, Gregoire second!
Maximilian Ernecker (F4E GasGas) also won the second race of the ADAC Junior Cup 125cc in Dreetz. The Austrian managed to win both heats. Dean Gregoire (Schmicker Racing-KTM) became…
Your reactions