Positive trend: better preparation of GP tracks
Three seasons ago, courses such as Teutschenthal and Uddevalla received a lot of criticism about the lack of preparation. Especially because of the additional classes that come into action during a GP weekend, the circuits are hit hard. This year it seems that good steps have been taken to improve the condition of the GP tracks.
In 2018, the GP circus traveled from the dark volcanic underground of Argentina to the frozen Eurocircuit of Valkenswaard over the rock-hard concrete track of Indonesia to end the season in the mixed earth of Imola. During the 20 rounds and eight months of the championship, the drivers had to deal with very different circumstances. Still, world champions Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado agree that a good standard was achieved this year.
Part of the problem is the large cultural differences and resources available between different clubs and organizers. According to Herlings and Prado, the work carried out after the training and qualifications - and the small improvements that were possible between the series on Sunday - were in any case positive.
“I think the track was often in better shape for the MXGP,” says 'the Bullet'. “The MXGP is the premier class and they spray a lot for the MX2, but then it suits us very well.” MXGP received a lot of criticism about the very different quality of the tracks. Especially when it comes to the preparation of the old school courses, the way jumps were constructed and how new courses often have a very similar layout. On the other hand, the large technical differences between the tracks are cited as one of the reasons why GP riders are without a doubt the best motocross riders in the world. The best proof is of course the excellent results of World Championship pilots in the MX of Nations.
“Some jobs in themselves pose a limitation to making them better,” Jeffrey continues. “Take Arco di Trento for example. It is a very natural circuit but it is compact and everything is close together. They try to make the most of what they have. In a championship with 20 rounds you cannot always expect to get a fantastic, wide track. And it's about the Motocross World Championship, which means you literally have everything on the calendar. You have hard tracks, sand, deep sand, red earth, clay, stones: literally everything.”
“The preparation of the tracks was indeed better than last year,” adds Prado. “Sometimes it was a bit over for us in MX2. It was a bit too smoothed out but for the MXGP men it is perfect. At times it was a bit too wet for us, although you get used to that after a few matches. You can't immediately push in the early rounds or get into the fight. However, overall the courses were much better than in 2017.”
One of the reasons for this turnaround could be the input of ex-GP rider Rui Gonçalves. Until 2017, Gonçalves rode GPs himself, but now he advises the organization on how to better prepare the tracks and forms the bridge between the wishes of the riders, YouthStream and the clubs. “I think things are going well and it is important to have a rider like Rui involved in the process,” Herlings confirms. “Gonçalves was a top driver himself, so he knows how it should be. In practice, however, you go from one track to another with a different track crew. That makes it more difficult to deliver the best possible work. In Indonesia you have to work with different people and machines than, for example, in Assen. Hopefully they can continue to improve in this area.”
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: Pascal Haudiquert, Paul Weyten, Gino Maes, David Bulmer/Vitalmx
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