Who impressed: MXGP Loket
Jorge Prado: This was the win Jorge Prado needed! Last year Prado went to another level after his first win and this year he might do the same. Prado admitted he is still having issues with Covid all these months later and that is why he has been so tired at the end fo the races, but even though he admitted getting tired again in Loket, race two, he fought through it to ensure third place and take the overall win. Prado’s ability to deal with pressure is impressive, he held off Gajser all race in his moto one win, always doing just enough to stop the world champ from really putting a wheel in. Now, despite not being at his best early on, he is just 17 points back going into Lommel with everything to play for!
Prado commented: “I gave everything I had. So, it was a great weekend. You know I am getting every weekend better and better. This second race was very rough for me, just physically was tough. You know just to hold on to the bike was difficult, so I just did my best, tried to ride it smoothly and not make any mistakes, which was very difficult on a track like this. But you know, first win of the season, first race win of the season as well. I can’t ask for more”.
“It was not the start of the season that I expected, I expected to be better, I had small things that I needed to put together but it’s nothing too crazy and we are working on it, so I think we’re heading in the right direction as you can see this weekend, next one is Lommel, good memories, so let’s go forward”.
Ivo Monticelli: After a tough day in Oss, Ivo Monticelli rode fantastic at Loket. He hit the gate in race one and came back to 14th then finally turned his raw speed into a good result with a great fifth in race two. Monticelli has tremendous raw speed, harnessing that can be an issue but that second moto showed everyone what the Italian can do when it all goes to plan!
The Italian said: “The track is hard-pack like back home in Italy where I grew up so I had a really good feeling and felt positive all day, especially after third in Qualifying. The first moto I jumped too early at the start and got stuck in the gate so I was dead last; it is hard to pass here but I came to fourteenth. But my riding and speed was OK so I knew my potential and could show this after starting sixth in race two. I could stay with the lead group and moved to fifth when Gajser crashed. I could follow Hoff but I let him go three laps from the end after I made one mistake and I didn’t want to risk my fifth place. Now we go training in sand this week for Lommel. “
Jeremy Seewer: Another rider affected by Covid in the early part of the season, Jeremy Seewer finally got to show his 2020 form in 2021 at Loket. More intensity and having the fitness late on to keep Cairoli in his sights all race in moto two, Seewer is back where he belongs, at the sharp end of the MXGP field!
Seewer said: “The start to my season wasn’t at all what I expected, just before we started, I was in good shape and stuff but I tested positive for COVID, so it was tight for Russia to make it and that explains my results. But I am happy to be back, I started to feel better already but last weekend was just a bit off, in the start of the second race, luckily, I wasn’t hurt as a few riders ran me over which is fine. I’m really happy to be back on the podium, especially that second race, good start and made a key pass on Jorge, I just used his small mistake to catch him and rode to second without a problem”.
“Lommel is like a home GP for us all, as most of the GP riders live around there, so I’m looking forward to that, it always gets rough and it’s exciting to race there”.
Antonio Cairoli: Another average first moto but Cairoli made up for it in style in race two! A better start and a quick pass on Prado gave Cairoli the clean air he needed to control the race and get a vital 25 points that, with Gajser’s crash, means he is only 11 points back with his favourite track up next – Lommel. Now is the time for Cairoli to put the hammer down with the championship lead within toughing distance. This tenth world title is within reach right now and with Cairoli’s speed in every condition as good as anyone’s, it means this year is the chance he has been waiting for!
Cairoli said: “Overall, I am happy about everything, because my goal is to finish on the podium every weekend. I messed up in Russia, this is something I still regret a little bit. I struggled a lot with the track as always in Loket. The start is so important and in the first race I was eighth or ninth in the start, then I tried to make some passes and it was difficult as Jeremy and Glenn were also really fast. I finished sixth which is for sure not what I want, but it’s racing and this year I’m feeling really good and I’m enjoying the racing, looking forward to the next one, looking to keep consistent on the podium”.
“I don’t look at the championship, it’s not my thing at the moment, I just want to take it race by race, and enjoy the training as I changed my schedule a little, in the past I used to ride a lot, now I ride one time a week and race, it’s working well and I’m enjoying it. Of course, Lommel is tough, we will struggle physically but I really enjoy it when it’s rough”.
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Article: Jonathan McCready
Images: InFront Moto Racing
