Arminas Jasikonis: It feels so, so good to get my first MXGP race win

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis has claimed his first ever MXGP moto victory after topping the second race at the Grand Prix of Riga, round four of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship. Qualifying on pole, Jasikonis unfortunately suffered a crash in the opening moto, but regrouped to claim a hard-fought victory around the challenging Kegums circuit in race two. In the MX2 class, Jed Beaton put in a strong performance in both motos to claim sixth overall, while teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen placed fifth in the opening MX2 race, before aggravating an existing injury in race two.

Enjoying a positive start to the fourth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Arminas Jasikonis qualified fastest, ensuring the Lithuanian lined up on the inside gate for the opening MXGP moto. Frustratingly, AJ was unable to translate his impressive qualifying speed into a strong first race result as he crashed in turn one together with a number of his rivals. Displaying good speed, Jasikonis muscled his FC 450 around the fast and rough Kegums circuit, setting the fastest lap of the race while in traffic. Arminas continued his charge and crossed the finish line in a well-earned eighth place.

The early stages of race two at the MXGP of Latvia were much more prosperous for Jasikonis. Ending lap one in fifth position, he utilised a number of his favoured sweeping lines around the famous Kegums circuit to move into second place on lap three. Shadowing race leader Jeffrey Herlings as the race entered the closing stages, a mistake from Herlings saw Jasikonis seize his opportunity, inheriting the lead and racing on to his maiden MXGP race victory. Arminas sits fourth in the MXGP championship standings.

Arminas Jasikonis: “It feels so, so good to get my first MXGP race win. Overall, I know I could have got more out of today, but even though the first race didn’t go like we wanted it to, it’s finished in the best way. Qualifying fastest was great and I lined up on the inside for race one. I was unlucky in the first turn, falling with a few other riders. It was just a little bit unfortunate. I was able to regroup and get going quickly. I passed riders almost every lap and caught up to the leaders, so it was a positive race really. Second moto, I had a much better start and pushed really hard for the first few laps and moved into third place. I passed Cairoli for second place and then chased after Herlings. I couldn’t quite close the gap but then he fell and I took the lead. The race wasn’t over though, and I had some serious pressure, but I kept calm, hit my lines and took the win. I’m so happy for myself and the team, it’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to race again on Sunday.”

Words and pic: Husqvarna