#ThomasCovington

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Jeffrey Herlings and Thomas Covington Top the MXGP of Turkey

For the first time the FIM Motocross World Championship has race in Afyon, Turkey. The MXGP of Turkey’s new circuit crowned its first winners today, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington.

The racing kicked off with a bang from the start of the first MX2 and ended with a surprising second MXGP race. Later filled with battles on track the day first started with an opening ceremony on the MXGP podium. Joining in the event to open the first MXGP of Turkey in Afyon was Youthstream Vice President Mr. David Luongo, FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington, Ministry of Sport and Youth Representative Omer Altunsu, Governor of Afyonkarahisar Mustafa Tutulmaz, Senator of Afyon Dr. Veysel Eroglu, Mayor of Afyonkarahisar Burhanettin Coban, Tourism General Director of Afyon Irfan Onal, TMF President Yunus Bekir Ucar, along with 5-Time Supersport World Champion and Senator of Sakarya Kenan Sofuoglu among many other Official representatives from the municipality and the Parliament.

MXGP Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings continues on a roll towards his first MXGP World Championship title. Today was another impressive showing from the Dutchman who did exactly what was required to win.

Race 1’s start was a close fought battle between Herlings and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and while the Slovenian took the Fox Holeshot Herlings was into the lead by turn 2. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff was just behind Gajser but lost spots quickly to Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle and fellow Red Bull KTM rider Antonio Cairoli.

By lap 2 Cairoli was up to 2nd past Desalle while Herlings pulled away at the front. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek took 5th away from Coldenhoff on lap 4 but made no further progress.

Cairoli made his way around Gajser just after the finish while Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer was also moving up a spot to 7th past Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin. At the finish it was a win from Herlings with Cairoli just over 25 seconds back then Gajser, Desalle, and Van Horebeek.

MXGP Race 2 was led by Herlings again just after the exit of turn 2 but Desalle was the winner of the Fox Holeshot for his first time this year. Also getting around the Belgian was Paulin while his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Max Anstie fell which led to a crash from Cairoli.

A mistake from Paulin then allowed Desalle back past and into 2nd but Gajser took the spot quickly. Coldenhoff was also on a charge from 10th passing Bike It DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle followed by iFly JK Racing Yamaha’s Ivo Monticelli and finally Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Shaun Simpson to take 7th.

Anstie continued to struggle but Paulin fought to hold 4th from the attacking Swiss rider Jeremy Seewer. Cairoli who at one point was back in 19th worked forward only a few spots to finish 15th.

At the front Herlings came under pressure from Gajser on the last few laps but responded to the intensity of the #243 well reopening a gap and winning by 4.6 seconds. Desalle took 3rd with Paulin and Seewer rounding out the top 5. The only difference between the race 2 finish and the overall result was Van Horebeek in 5th with a single point more than Seewer. Herlings now leads the championship by 95 points heading into the MXGP of the Netherlands at Assen in 2 week-time.

Jeffrey Herlings: “It was really awesome, the track was pretty nice, I was surprised because it developed really well. I think the organization did a good job and it was a good weekend. I’m so close and I have worked so hard so the next 2 weeks are going to be tough and I can’t wait for Assen.

Tim Gajser: “It was a good weekend, I was enjoying it, the track was nice and I felt good on the bike. 2nd overall is good and I have done it 2 weeks in a row so I am really happy and looking forward to the next one.”

Clement Desalle: “I am really happy with this podium, because yesterday I wasn’t feeling that great on track so it is good. Every time I went on track I felt better and better. Now 3 GPs in a row I’m on the podium which is consistent and it is good results for the team who are working really hard.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 33:57.381; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:25.513; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:29.532; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:42.173; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.354; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:52.976; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:55.735; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:56.936; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:58.123; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:01.027.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:38.520; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.656; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:31.485; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:35.466; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:37.832; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.893; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:52.943; 8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:53.732; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:54.544; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +1:11.577.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 42 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 38 p.; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 31 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 30 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 29 p.; 8. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 28 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 25 p.; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 23 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 833 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 738 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 619 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 591 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 544 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 514 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 475 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 423 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 404 p.; 10. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 328 p. MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 897 points; 2. Kawasaki, 638 p.; 3. Yamaha, 624 p.; 4. Honda, 606 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 572 p.; 6. Suzuki, 261 p.; 7. TM, 227 p.

MX2 While MXGP racing was dramatic on its own the MX2 class was just as epic as the two title contenders of Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing spared off while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington took the win.

Race 1 started perfect for Covington as he scored a long desired Fox Holeshot over Prado. Jonass took the lead from Covington at turn 2 however and Prado was right alongside to add extra pressure.

Honda 114 Motorsport’s Hunter Lawrence jumped past Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson in a close move to take 4th as Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and STC Husqvarna Racing’s Henry Jacobi fought over 6th.

Prado was trying on many occasions to pass Covington for second and the American was only able to keep the #61 at bay for the first lap and half. As soon as Prado took 2nd he had his sights set on the win and beating his teammate Jonass.

Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen crashed hard at the end of the pit lane straight while in tenth but was lucky to get back up in 16th uninjured. A battle ensued for the lead between Jonass and Prado peaking when Prado dove past Jonass who jumped and landed on the rear of points leader’s bike sending the Latvian down hard and Prado off track.

Jonass remounted and rejoined the race in 6th while Prado came back on track in 3rd. Inheriting the lead and 2nd place was Covington and Lawrence. At the finish Covington took the race win followed by Lawrence, Prado, Watson, Olsen, and Jonass.

The first race put Jonass another 5 championship points back of the 30 Prado led by coming to Afyon. Another Fox Holeshot from Covington started race 2 with Watson 2nd, Prado 3rd, and Jonass 4th.

Jonass made 2 quick moves in the first turns to get past both Prado and Watson for 2nd. Lawrence then passed Prado for 5th and the Spaniard continued to drop positions to 7th.

Covington rode a solid race at the front while Jonass tried to force an error and with 4 laps to go Covington tucked the front end on a roller. The mistake gave Jonass the lead and Olsen 2nd while Covington got up in 3rd.

The top 10 held their positions for remainder of the race which meant a win for Jonass followed by Olsen, Covington, Watson, and Lawrence. In the overall Covington took the GP victory for the first time this season with his consistent 1-3 finishes over Jonass and Olsen.

The points gap which started as 30 then went out to 35 is now 24 and Prado still maintains the red plate with the 3-7 finishes as the championship heads to Assen.

Thomas Covington: “I got off to two good starts in the races here and I saw the opportunity to win then just tried to hang on to it. I really wanted to get the 1-1 but just pushed a little too hard… luckily I got back up pretty quick and was still able to get the overall.”

Pauls Jonass: “All weekend I was feeling good. After the first race I wasn’t sure how it was going to be with my knee when I race but like I said yesterday it is not over till it is over. I gained 6 points in the championship this weekend, there is still 100 points on the table and like I said nothing is over, we are going to fight until the end because for me there is nothing to lose anymore.”

Thomas Kjer Olsen: “It feels really good to be up here on the podium again with my teammate. At the moment I am having a lot of fun on the bike… I just felt good this weekend.”

Jorge Prado: “I was feeling good this weekend. I am still pretty happy how everything went, I didn’t go down so I’m safe, just struggled a little in the second race.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 35:10.583; 2. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:02.864; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:09.798; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:12.576; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:20.431; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:30.968; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:37.418; 8. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:51.496; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:52.593; 10. Simone Furlotti (ITA, Yamaha), +0:53.798.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 34:43.374; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.148; 3. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:06.927; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:08.533; 5. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:21.677; 6. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:28.718; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:34.789; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:37.153; 9. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +0:47.812; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:56.440.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 45 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 38 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34 p.; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 29 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 23 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 23 p.; 10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 21 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 773 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 749 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 593 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 551 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 525 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 483 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 346 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 337 p.; 9. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 305 p.; 10. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 301 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 868 points; 2. Husqvarna, 730 p.; 3. Honda, 624 p.; 4. Yamaha, 612 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 410 p.; 6. TM, 119 p.

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Herlings and Vlaanderen take Intense Indonesian Wins

The first weekend of two back to back MXGP stops in Indonesia has been completed and will be one to remember. The intense Indonesian racing was full of action and entertainingly unpredictable. In the end Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings returned to winning form and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen scored his first ever career victory in MX2.

The MXGP of Indonesia is a unique experience with the most welcoming fans and MXGP enthusiasts in the world. The welcoming atmosphere was even more evident than normal with the start of today’s Motocross World Championship racing. Kicking off the event was an epic opening ceremony including a massive marching band performing alongside traditional Indonesian dancers. The opening ceremony was taken in by not only the thousands of fans in attendance but also by various officials: Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington, Indonesian Minister of Sport and Youth Dr. H. Imam Nahrawi S.Ag. M.KP, Governor of Bangka Belitung Dr. H. Erzaldi Rosman S.E. M.M and Head of the IMI (Indonesian National Federation of Motorsport) Sadikin Aksa whom all later took part in opening speeches.

Today’s track was technical and rutted by mother nature provide the best weather conditions ultimately leading to some of the most interesting racing this season.

MXGP The MXGP class is undeniably stacked with talent but mostly it is filled with some of the most dedicated, hard working, and resilient riders on the planet. On a regular basis the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings exemplify the traits mentioned above and today was a prime example of such.

MXGP Race 1 started with a Fox Holeshot from Herlings ahead but with Cairoli just behind. The pair led Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser on the first laps but by the start of lap 3 Gajser and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle had passed Paulin.

Paulin then had Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre lurking in the distance while Cairoli was challenging Herlings for the lead. A bobble from Herlings gave Cairoli the opportunity to pass the #84 who made another mistake to give Cairoli a gap.

Herlings managed to keep Cairoli within sight for a while but realized 2nd was good enough after only breaking his collar bone 2 weeks ago. In a battle for 5th was the Frenchmen of Paulin and Febvre but Febvre took the position just past the halfway point. A few laps later Desalle took 3rd from Gajser and charged up to Herlings who then responded to hold the position. For the remaining laps the lead group stayed the same and Cairoli took the win nearly 10 seconds ahead of Herlings, Desalle, Gajser, and Febvre.

MXGP’s second and final race of the day decided the overall, was full of battles, and even through in some plot twists. On the start it was a Fox Holeshot from Herlings after he pushed wide to hold Gajser off. Herlings soon realized he had faded to far outside however as Cairoli took the lead and he found himself jostling with Desalle.

Out of the exchange off the start Cairoli took the lead and Gajser was second with Herlings third. The intensity from the top three on the first laps was incredible starting with Gajser passing Cairoli for the lead. Only a turn later Herlings railed around the outside to take second from Cairoli and proceed to catch Gajser. Gajser was then caught off guard as Herlings carried a massive amount of speed through the rollers and jump to the inside of the Slovenian in front of Pit Lane.

Cairoli was quick to pass Gajser back through the first turn but on the following lap missed a double which let Gajser back into second. Similar to the move of Herlings the lap prior Cairoli stayed to the inside down the pit lane straight and retook 2nd place.

Throughout it all Febvre was 4th with a front row view ahead of Paulin and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff. Febvre came close to the action ahead of him when Cairoli ejected over the front of the bike through turn 2. The mistake of Cairoli gave second back to Gajser and nearly gave 3rd to Febvre.

It only took another lap though before Cairoli passed Gajser for 2nd position his 3rd time. Gajser and Febvre then proceeded to battle for 4th swapping positions nearly every lap. Just passed the halfway point Febvre made a strong move past Gajser and was then able to create a gap.

As the race winded down Cairoli chipped at the lead of Herlings but was still over 5 seconds back with 4 laps to go. Just before crossing the line with three laps to go Herlings fell in the last turn. Slow to pick his bike up after seeing Cairoli take the lead Herlings seemed to be content with second. This was until Cairoli crashed in turn 2 for the second time just ahead of him.

Herlings took the lead just ahead of Cairoli who remounted his KTM with bent bars and a missing throttle grip. Cairoli tried to retake the lead but was unable to do so giving Herlings both the race win and overall for a dramatic conclusion to the weekend. Febvre took third in both the race and the overall while Gajser and Coldenhoff scored 4th in 5th place in race 2.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I pulled really good starts this weekend, especially today with 2 FOX Holeshots so I’m really happy about it. In race 1 I just tried to be smart, I felt like I could run Tony’s pace but not for 35 minutes. There is still a lot of races left and next week I want to take it a bit easy then I will home for 2 weeks before Loket and hopefully by Lommel I will be back to 100%.”

Antonio Cairoli: “It is an okay weekend overall… hopefully we can be ready for next week and hopefully have another good race at the next GP.”

Romain Febvre: “I am really happy. Everything is going better and now this is my second time on the podium, I would like to be up here every weekend.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 35:04.336; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:09.864; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:11.509; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:13.998; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:24.568; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:39.048; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:59.381; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:01.956; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:08.131; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +1:12.088.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:59.818; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:09.419; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:38.775; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:43.053; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:44.545; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:47.722; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +1:02.639; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:10.912; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:16.932; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:18.060.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 47 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 36 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 36 p.; 5. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 30 p.; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 29 p.; 8. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 25 p.; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, SUZ), 24 p.; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 24 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 533 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 521 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 407 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 390 p.; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 368 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 363 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 319 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 279 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 257 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 211 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 597 points; 2. Kawasaki, 426 p.; 3. Yamaha, 415 p.; 4. Honda, 383 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 382 p.; 6. TM, 211 p.; 7. Suzuki, 207 p.

MX2 MX2 was nearly as unpredictable as that of MXGP with a similar championship scenario at the front of many minds. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado are also in a title fight similar to that of Cairoli and Herlings with the older rider and defending champion battling the young talent.

In MX2 Race 1 however, we witnessed Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington take the Fox Holeshot ahead of Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen. Prado and Jonass weren’t far behind in 3rd and 4th and by the end of lap 2 Jonass took 3rd from Prado.

Covington’s strong start allowed him to create a gap over Vlaanderen which only grew as the race went on. Back in 5th position was Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen. Vlaanderen’s pace was impressive even pulling away from Jonass.

By the last half of the race Jonass had closed the gap back down and, with Prado on his heels, took 2nd from Vlaanderen. Prado seeing Jonass get away put his focus into passing Vlaanderen but the Honda rider held the Spaniard off the final four laps.

At the finish it was Covington with the win, Jonass 2nd, then Vlaanderen, Prado, and Olsen. Just missing out on a top five result was Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson with his 6th place comeback from 16th position on lap 2.

MX2 Race 2 was season first Fox Holeshot for Vlaanderen ahead of Jonass, Olsen, Prado, and Watson. On the opening lap Olsen dropped two spots to both Prado and Watson with the #919’s rare good start.

Vlaanderen focused on putting in solid laps while Prado hounded Jonass for 2nd. LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes took 5th away from Olsen on lap 7 as Vlaanderen gapped Jonass and Prado. The following lap Prado made a move on Jonass to take second. Less than a lap after losing a spot to Prado, Jonass lost 2 more after being passed by Watson and Pootjes.

Jonass immediately came under pressure from race 1 winner Covington who had just passed Olsen on his way forward from 10th on the first lap. Olsen then fell and dropped back to ninth while Covington passed Jonass for 5th. Continuing to drop back Jonass lost another spot to Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Jago Geerts just after Watson made a pass on Prado for 2nd.

At the finish Calvin Vlaanderen took the race win and his first overall victory along with South Africa’s first win since Tyla Rattray in 2008. Watson took 2nd with Prado 3rd, Covington 4th, and Pootjes 5th. Jonass meanwhile took a frustrating 7th behind Geerts. In the overall standings Covington was second with his 1-4 losing out to Vlaanderen’s 3-1 and Prado was 3rd with a 4th and 3rd.

Calvin Vlaanderen: “I was speechless, the first race was also good but in the second race I got off to a good start with my first FOX Holeshot of the year and just rode my own race like in training, I hit my marks, hit my lines like I wanted too. It is such a cool feeling to win here, it unbelievable since I was a kid I have dreamed of winning a GP so it is really emotional”

Thomas Covington: “I am definitely very happy to be on the podium this weekend. I needed to pass Jorge and Watson there at the end to get the overall and they were just riding really good, I didn’t have it in me to pass both of them so I was a little bummed on that but we’ll line up and go for it again next weekend.”

Jorge Prado: “I am really happy to be on the podium. I have been on the podium many times now so I’m glad to keep consistent. I enjoyed the racing, it was tough but I was riding better than yesterday so I am satisfied with a 4th and 3rd.”

Pauls Jonass: “I was feeling good but after 10 minutes I hit a wall and didn’t know how to ride anymore, when I went outside I was passed on the inside and when I went inside I got passed on the outside. I’m a little bit disappointed but it is a long season and I’m looking forward to the next races.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 35:01.963; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:13.089; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:15.705; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:16.627; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:28.199; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:37.818; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:45.348; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:49.681; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:55.513; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:57.460.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), 35:13.293; 2. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:06.206; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:17.544; 4. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:21.834; 5. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:25.396; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:29.400; 7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:31.824; 8. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:32.066; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:59.259; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:05.194.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 45 points; 2. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 43 p.; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 37 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 36 p.; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 27 p.; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 24 p.; 10. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 23 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 510 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 503 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 394 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 376 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 331 p.; 6. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 297 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 275 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 230 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 223 p.; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 218 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 578 points; 2. Husqvarna, 491 p.; 3. Yamaha, 410 p.; 4. Honda, 399 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 287 p.; 6. TM, 119 p.

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Romain Febvre and Thomas Covington Lead the Way with Lombardia Qualifying Wins

The 2018 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia is underway below the sun at the sandy Ottobiano circuit. Today’s unpredictable racing was as exciting as it was impressive with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington claiming their respective Qualifying Race wins!

The summer heat along with the sandy circuit of Ottobiano gave the riders difficult conditions but gave the fans amazing racing! Both the MXGP and MX2 Qualifying races were full of action but adding to the racing of the premier classes was the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and FIM Europe’s EMX250 Championship.

The Italian fan favorite from the Women’s racing was without a doubt MXFONTARACING Yamaha’s Kiara Fontanesi. Leading the race early was Larissa Papenmeier followed by Fontanesi, Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Courtney Duncan, and Nancy van de Ven. At the end however it was Fontanesi taking the home race win over Duncan, Van de Ven, and Papenmeier with Shana van der Vlist 5th.

EMX250 Race 1 was a perfect performance from Team DIGA-Procross’ Dylan Walsh. Walsh took the holeshot and led every single lap. Behind Walsh was Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame, BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau, and ASTES4-TESAR YAMAHA’s Roan van de Moosdijk. With 3 laps complete Moreau crashed while chasing Boisrame and gave third to van de Moosdijk. Later Boisrame closed to the back wheel of Walsh but a strong response from Walsh gave him the race win with Boisrame 2nd, and van de Moosdijk 3rd.

MXGP Starting the weekend many eyes where on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli. From the Italian fans to media and more Cairoli was the center of attention but at the start of the MXGP Qualifying Race it was Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team’s Jeremy Seewer who stole the show. The MX2 overall winner from last year took the holeshot and lead while Cairoli was buried towards the back of the pack.

Chasing Seewer was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Standing Construct KTM’s Kevin Strijbos. The opening lap was a struggle for Cairoli who not only had a bad start but also clipped another rider and went down. Rejoining the race in last position Cairoli had to work hard to achieve decent gate pick for tomorrow’s pair of championship races.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle was fourth at the beginning of the race and had both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders, Max Anstie and Gautier Paulin chasing him. First to make a move was Paulin who pushed past his teammate for fifth as Febvre started to pressure Seewer for the lead.

On lap 5 Febvre took over the lead from Seewer and Desalle took 3rd from Strijbos. During next lap Strijbos lost 2 more positions to Paulin and Anstie. Around the same time Cairoli moved past Gajser after a short battle over 16th.

Cairoli continued his charge forward for the next seven laps. With the final turn to go the Sicilian was 9th but with his fighting spirit managed to pass both Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle before the finish for 7th.

Romain Febvre claimed the qualifying win with Seewer in second and Desalle took third after a last lap battle with Paulin.

Romain Febvre: “I’m feeling very good, I’m getting better and better every week so that’s really important. Today I was good all day long, I was third in time practice and took a good start, it was almost the holeshot and then after three laps I took the lead from Jeremy Seewer.”

Antonio Cairoli: “It was a very difficult qualifying race and I had one little crash and a big one at the end of the waves on the first lap. I struggled a little bit to come back to 7th but I’m already really looking forward to tomorrow.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), 23:45.610; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:03.260; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:04.700; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:06.325; 5. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:08.975; 6. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +0:16.010; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:20.156; 8. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:20.330; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:20.331; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:24.015.

MX2 Just as MXGP’s Qualifying race was difficult for Cairoli the MX2 Qualifying race was a challenge for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington however had the perfect race. Covington scored the holeshot and checkout from the field within the first laps.

Also strong off the start was LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes in second position. Behind Pootjes was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and then, after a series of passes during the opening lap, Pauls Jonass. By the end of lap 2 Jonass was passed Prado and pressuring Pootjes for second.

On lap 6 both Jonass and Prado where past Pootjes who then lost another pair of spots in the next two laps to Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson.

On the 9th lap Jonass could be seen restarting his bike and in the meantime lost positions to Prado, Vlaanderen, and Watson. At the finish line it was Covington who took the qualifying race win, his 3rd this season and second in row, with Prado 2nd, Vlaanderen 3rd, Watson 4th, and Jonass 5th. Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Thomas Kjer Olsen, fought his way up to 9th following a crash on start.

Thomas Covington: “Every weekend this is how you plan for a race to go but it is pretty rare for it to actually happen. Two consistent starts and being strong at the end tomorrow is going to be really important.”

Yamaha SM Action M.C. Migliori’s new rider, Michele Cervellin, took 13th during today’s qualifying which is his 2nd home GP of the season. Michele in the press conference said: “This is home GP… I will try to do my best and tomorrow is for sure going to be difficult with two longer races but we will fight for a good result.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 23:58.093; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:07.842; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:13.121; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:15.931; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:23.208; 6. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:24.636; 7. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:25.513; 8. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:27.659; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:27.869; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:35.619.

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Jeffrey Herlings and Thomas Covington Fastest in French Qualifying

The MXGP of France is off to a massively successful start, especially for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington as they won their respective qualifying races.

Aside from the amazing riding from the two winners the event itself was full of amazing fans who filled the French hillside to watch the Qualifying actions. The weather was predicted to rain but the mother nature instead provided sunshine and blue skies along with warm temperatures. The redesigned track and its conditions where in top shape with deep lines and technical sections challenging the top riders.

Joining the MXGP and MX2 racing this weekend is the classes of EMX250 and EMX125 presented by FMF Racing. Due to a massive number of rider entries both classes had to be split into 2 groups for Free and Time Practice then each had a Last Chance Qualifying Race.

The 40 top riders lined the gate for Race 1 of EMX125 presented by FMF Racing first. Leading from the beginning and never looking back was France’s Thibault Benistant on his Yamaha Europe EMX125 machine. Benistant’s lead was massive throughout the race but the battle for second was between 3 or 4 riders at any given point. Taking second place after running in 4th the early stages of the race was the red plate holder, KTM Junior’s Rene Hofer. Taking the 3rd spot was Yamaha Europe EMX125’s Rick Elzinga just ahead of Team Maddi Racing Husqvarna’s Mattia Guadagnini.

The final race of the day was that of the EMX250 class where Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame held off his fellow French competitors. First BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau was second but he fell back letting Tom Vialle take over the runner up spot. Finishing third was ASTES4-TESAR Yamaha’s Roan Van de Moosdijk which made him the only non French rider in the top 5.

MXGP MXGP’s Qualifying Race hosted another dominating performance from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Choosing to line up on the furthest inside gate, after scoring the fastest lap time in both Free and Time Practice, Herlings took the holeshot and set sail. Herlings led every lap of the 13 recorded and won by 17.9 seconds.

Though Herlings was on his own the battle for 2nd was on between 4 of the best riders in the world championship. Leading the group of 4 was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin. Paulin was massively improved after today compared to a week ago. With the roar of the French crowd behind him Paulin managed a small cushion between himself and those giving chase.

First of the riders in pursuit was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser but just behind him was the former world champion and French fan favorite, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre. Febvre, with the added pressure of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli giving chase, pushed his way past Gajser on lap 9 after great battles.

Cairoli, who had a collision between himself and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle followed the moves of Febvre to take another position from Gajser on the following lap. Desalle eventually finished the MXGP Qualifying race in 19th.

Cairoli would however take third from Febvre on the final lap and close onto the back wheel of Paulin at the finish. Also having a strong Qualifying race was BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev with a 6th place.

Jeffrey Herlings: “The main focus is the start for tomorrow and luckily we got it all dialed in today. Tomorrow we are going to go out, do our best, and like I said focus on the start and work from there.”

Romain Febvre: “I had a good start, that was the main focus, after I made a mistake and stalled my bike losing 2 positions but I passed Tony and then I passed Gajser and was third but then Tony passed me, at the end it was a good day.”

French rider Marchetti Racing Team KTM’s Benoit Paturel managed to finish qualifying in 15th position to which he said: “I feel ok this week, not perfect but I will do my best tomorrow. It is an amazing GP in front of the home crowd, it was a good memory for me in 2016 in MX2 where I finished second after Jeffrey. I am excited to ride tomorrow and I hope to get my best result.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:35.251; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:17.990; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:19.988; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:27.922; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:34.999; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:45.959; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.320; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:50.508; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:51.783; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.920.

MX2 Breaking up the KTM party at the front of the field today was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington. Covington, who had a strong start to the race in 3rd, by the end of lap 1 was into second past the fast starter of Henry Jacobi on his STC Racing Husqvarna.

Leading on from the end of the first lap was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado. Prado, now known for his strong starting ability, was just alongside Jacobi in the first turn but Jacobi’s line uphill prevailed at first.

Among the most notable action on the start was the 3 rider crash involving Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson, and LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes. All three took a minute to go again but each rejoined the racing and came through the pack. Olsen recovered to 13th, Watson to 12th, and Pootjes to 20th after another scare on lap 10 cost him a handful of positions.

Back at the front Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass was giving chase to Covington who in turn was looking for a way around Prado. On lap 7, just before coming down the middle section of the track, Covington took the lead from Prado and by the bottom of the hill Jonass was around his teammate also.

The remaining 6 laps Jonass chased Covington and even made some stabs at the leader but none were successful. Across the finish line it was Covington from Jonass, Prado, Jacobi, and Hitachi KTM UK’s Conrad Mewse who made a last lap turn pass on Team Diga Procross’ Iker Larranaga for 5th.

Thomas Covington: “I just really have to focus on my start tomorrow like Jeffrey said and we worked really hard this week to try and improve the bike off the gate, we have just really been working on starts this week and I think it is going to show”.

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 25:31.406; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:01.740; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.339; 4. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:21.548; 5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:23.429; 6. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:23.767; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Kawasaki), +0:30.405; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:32.346; 9. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:33.106; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:36.918