An amazing scenery, a qualifying race with a full grid, a Saturday flooded with sunshine. The start of the seventh edition of MXGP Patagonia Argentina could not be better. The crowd started to fill Patagonia Race Track since the early morning and they were able to enjoy a great show with lots of action on the track. Tomorrow is the time for the definition.
Domain of Prado and Geerts
Jorge Prado (GASGAS) and Jago Geerts (Yamaha) were the “owners” of the corresponding MXGP and MX2 qualifying races, which for the first time gave points for the FIM Motocross World Championship.
In the MX2 race (20 minutes + 2 laps), ethe Belgium rider took the lead in the first lap after a short but intense head-to-head with Italian rider Andrea Adamo (KTM), who was finally his runner-up. The third place was for the German rider Simón Laengenfelder (GASGAS).
Meanwhile, Kay De Wolf (Husqvarna), who had been the one to look at in the two previous practice sessions, had a bad race and ended in the sixth place. The best Latin American rider in this class was the Argentinean Tomás Moyano (Kawasaki), in the 1th place.
MXGP had its stellar debut with the new regulations. It had a full start with 40 bikes accelerating in front of the crowd that arrived very early at the Patagonia Race Track to be dazzled by this dream track which stands out for its technical difficulty and its beautiful scenery. The race had a single leader: Jorge Prado. The Spaniard was in front already in the first corner and from that moment on, he started to move away from his chasing rider Mattia Guadagnini (GASGAS).
Behind them was Maxime Renaux (Yamaha), who had set the pace in the time practice and was able to make a great comeback after dropping to eighth place in the first laps. Argentinean Agustin Poli (Kawasaki) was the best-placed Latin American in 18th position.
Statements:
Jago Geerts (Yamaha), the fastest among MX2: “I’m very happy, I really did not expect this. I kept a good pace all along the race. I think I´m ready for tomorrow. It is nice to have the “Red Plate”.
Jorge Prado (GASGAS), winner of MXGP Qualy: “It was a good day. I felt fine since the first practices . Fortunately, I was able to pass to guys in front and could make a gap. But it was not an easy race due to the number of riders. I like this track because I had a podium in my first time here in 2017”.
Juan Ignacio Salgado (MX2 – Honda), National Argentine Champion after his debut at FIM Motocross World Championship: “Everything is new for me. It is an honor to be Racing here, next to these riders. I’m a big fan of them. This is my debut in a World Championship. I was quite nervous during the practices, but luckily, as soon as the Qualy started I sort of relaxed and started to ride neatly. I hope I can improve tomorrow I’m very happy to be here.”
Super Sunday
Tomorrow Will be another day of full action at MXGP Patagonia Argentina. The riders Will start riding on the track at 10:25hs with the Warm-Up. The most awaited moment of the weekend Will be the time of the races, which will be two for each class. (each race lasting 30 minutes + two laps). MX2 races Will be at 12:15hs and 15:10hs. While the two MXGP races will start at 13:15hs and 16:10hs. The action can be followed live by DirecTV and Fox Sports, as well as through MXGP-TV.com.