Jasikonis praises Husqvarna 'package' as reason for breakthrough
A first series victory, a podium place and a 3rd place in the MXGP standings. And above all: a spectacular and attacking style! Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna IceOne) provided salt and pepper during the three Latvian GPs.
The 22-year-old Lithuanian has completed three full MXGP seasons with three different brands. During that time, “AJ” had to deal with injuries but continued to make progress. Both Husqvarna and IceOne recognized his potential. This despite a disappointing first semester in 2019 in which he lost out to teammate and MXGP rookie Pauls Jonass. Since signing a 2021 deal with Antti Pyrhonen's team, Arminas has become increasingly confident.
“I have known for a long time that I can drive, but everything still had to come together to put the pieces of the puzzle in the right place,” he admitted. “It's been hard work!”
During the GP of Riga (last Sunday) and the midweek in Kegums, Jasikonis achieved a highlight in his career. In the second heat the sympathetic giant kept the pressure on Herlings. The Bullet made a mistake and crashed with two laps to go and Jasikonis took advantage with his first series win.
Finally in the lead
“It was mixed emotions,” he remembers. “It was going quite well, but I still had a plan in the last laps to try to push Jeffrey. He then made a mistake and I was quite shocked. I was in charge and it wasn't that easy! It's one thing to be in second place, but mentally it was completely different to be in the lead. Physically I know I'm strong, but then I felt pressure and I started riding stiffer. But we made it! I'm sure it will be a bit easier next time when I get back into the lead. “
Jasikonis gave Husqvarna a second World Cup podium in 2020 last Sunday. Thanks to a second and third place, he finished second in the final standings. With this top form, it would not be a surprise if there were more podium finishes in the coming GPs.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler, Tom Jacobs
Photos: JP Acevedo
Also to read
PHOTO: Day two in Mons
Today was the second day of acceleration on the Bois Brûlé circuit in Mons. Our photographer was there to capture everything. He…Leferink wins the ONK Sidecars St.Isidorushoeve!
Brothers Tim and Sem Leferink managed to win their very first ONK Sidecar Cross in St.Isidorushoeve. They both won the chaotic and exciting heats that were held. Hermans/Van den…FOTO: Endurance BEX in Mons
The fourth BEX 5-hour International Endurance (Belgian Endurance-cross Championship), also known as the 'Endurance du Doudou', took place yesterday at the illustrious Circuit du Bois Brûlé in Mons-Ghlin! It was …VIDEO: Highlights Supercross Philadelphia 2024
The fifteenth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship was held in Philadelphia. In the 250SX final, Max Anstie was able to capture his second supercross victory. Jett Lawrence who knew…
Your reactions