Jeffrey Herlings about his battle with Cairoli!
It couldn't be more exciting, after three GPs Jeffrey Herlings and Tony Cairoli have exactly the same number of points! Both fighters share the lead in the MXGP standings with the same number of series victories and the same number of second places.
The situation in which two drivers are so evenly matched causes unforeseen problems. Because who was actually entitled to the red leader plate after the Red Sand MXGP? However, the FIM regulations were clear, the winner of the last race may ride the next GP with the red number plate.
This season the Red Bull KTM duo stands out in such a way that almost no one could have seen this coming. Certainly not considering the high level of the MXGP in which no fewer than 19 riders have won at least one Grand Prix! Herlings came back from the pack and beat the reigning world champion in Neuquén and in Valkenswaard. However, during the last GP in Valencia, TC222 hit back. The Sicilian veteran chose not to comment on the fierce battle that is creating a real hype around the MXGP.
For his part, Herlings only sees positive consequences of the match between him and the nine-time world champion. “Hey, I think it can only be a good thing, especially for KTM,” said the Bullet. “KTM is dominating both MX2 and MXGP this season. That is of course excellent advertising and it is also fun for Tony and myself. Of course we should not underestimate the competition, even though we have been the strongest so far.”
“On Mondays I see comments on social media like 'I can't wait for the next match when the battle continues.' There are fans who are for you and there are those who are against you but that is normal. It will certainly be a long year and with 17 more games like this it will certainly be intense.”
Monster Energy Kawasakis Clément Desalle and Rockstar Energy IceOne Husqvarna's Gautier Paulin are the only two other riders to have already appeared on the MXGP podium. Desalle, who already scored two podiums in 2018, is the first non-KTM rider in the world championship. Although he follows in third place, 38 points behind Cairoli and Herlings. Also the third KTM driver Glenn Coldenhoff, is in good shape. The Hoff holds 6th place in the World Championship for Arco di Trento. The 27-year-old driver from Heesch reached the top 6 three times.
KTM's dominance is also striking in the MX2. Pauls Jonass won all heats and Jorge Prado was on the podium twice in second place. After that fantastic start for the KTM factory teams, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer said that “he has never seen motocross at this level.” Meanwhile, Re Bull KTM rider Marvin Musquin is second in the AMA 450SX Supercross and won the last event in Indianapolis.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: Ray Archer
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