The MXGP World Motocross Championship riders tackled the Selaparang circuit in reverse direction today for the RAM Qualifying Races, although the oppressive heat and humidity remained to continually test the athletes to their limits as they pushed for points and gate selection positions.
Words | Press release
In MXGP it was a second straight RAM Qualifying Race win for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star Jeffrey Herlings, who made a strong move on Team HRC’s Tim Gajser towards the end of the race, with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP man Calvin Vlaanderen finishing a fine third.
Red Bull GasGas Factoy Racing Jorge Prado did not look to be in top form, starting in sixth place and taking his time to move forward, passing Coldenhoff over the finish line jump at the end of the first full lap, then taking until lap seven to make a switchback pass on Seewer for fourth position, which was where he would finish the race
Tim Gajser is now 24-points up of Jorge Prado after this Qualy Race.
Jeffrey Herlings: “Obviously last week I suffered from the heat in the second race. This time I thought let’s not start flat out but saving energy towards the end of the race. I feel very good physically. It wasn’t really nice how I had to pass Tim (Gajser), as I kind of touched him and I feel bad because I’m not this kind of rider but I had to overtake him like this! Now I look forward for tomorrow and I hope to be up here again!”
MX2 also saw the same winner as last week with Lucas Coenen recovering from a small crash to take the win for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, who enjoyed another 1-2 finish for the season with Kay de Wolf finishing in second place! Simon Laengenfelder once more took third for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.
Red Bull KTM Sacha Coenen led almost the entire race but with 5-minutes to go he crashed and ended 4th. Mikkel Haarup, of Monster Energy Triumph, rouned the Top 5.
Lucas Coenen: “It was a tough one today! The start wasn’t that bad as only my brother (Sacha Coenen) got a jump on me and then I went on the inside and went 2nd. I just did my race but then lost the front in a corner and tipped over. The track is sketchy and I like it this way. Tomorrow we’ll have two race and will try our best!”
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