MXGP qualifying winner Tony Cairoli had an uncustomary bad start but still managed to win the qualifier, passing race leader Arminas Jasikoni with two laps to go – and the Italian says he loves the heat!
Tony Cairoli: “The jump of the gate wasn’t so good and I was too tight on the inside. I hit Paulin and Herlings, but this track is ok to pass. I came every lap closer and closer to the lead and there were places I could a pass. in the end I came to first place and it feels good to get on pole in the home GP. The heat will be very difficult tomorrow, the track is very bumpy but we should have a good race.
“I like the track very much, when it’s flat it’s quite fast but when it’s bumpy it’s very technical, you can make some good line choices. The fans always push me to do my best. It’s one of the hottest races we have had together with Mantova. I like the hot weather and I can handle it pretty good.”
Thomas Covington rode the perfect race following a hoelshot to take an uncontested win in the the Italian sand and keeping championship leader Pauls Jonass at bay to do it! The American also confirmed he will be racing in the world championship again next season – but wouldn’t reveal for who!
Thomas Covington: “The race pretty much went exactly to plan. I pulled the holeshot and tried to sprint pretty much after that. then I found a rhythm. I thought I would gap Jonass a bit more be he stayed strong. It’s always good to get a confidence booster to win a qualifier. The track is really physically demanding and with the heat it’s going to be really tough. I have always liked racing in the heat, back in the amateur days racing Loretta Lynns, it’s pretty similar. In California it’s not really like this it’s more dry and not as humid.”
“As far as the championship goes I am not really thinking about it at all. it would be nice to be top three but I am just going for race wins. For next year I am pretty sure I will be back in the world championship, I can’t really say much yet – but I’ll be back!”
It was also announced that Imola will host the final round of the MXGP world championship next season!
