MXGP Latvia: Prado and Geerts on pole for Kegums

The first day of racing ended with Jorge Prado (Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing) and Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) dominating the MXGP and MX2 qualifying races, to secure pole positions for the main action. of tomorrow.

As the gate fell for the MXGP qualifying round, it was Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who got off to a strong start and led the way ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer who was second very briefly, although home favorite Pauls Jonass of Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing was quick to round the Swiss, who then dropped to third place ahead of Team HRC’s Tim Gajser.

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Maxime Renaux crashed out on the opening lap, as Seewer made his own mistake dropping down to sixth, letting Honda 114 Motorsports’ Ruben Fernandez, Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gajser and Brian Bogers pass.

For nearly four laps, Fernandez held Gajser at bay which made it difficult for the Slovenian to move. Gajser was patient and on lap five was able to find a way and focus his attention on Jonass in front of him.

Thomas Kjer Olsen of Diga Procross KTM Racing had a big accident on the same lap, coming out of 10^and. He quickly received medical attention, but the consequences of this accident are not yet known as we are awaiting an official update from his team.

Fernandez then crashed as well, as Gajser grabbed the back of Jonass, who was around 3.685 seconds behind Prado, who was set on his pace and striding away.

Gajser then came off the track as he pushed to pass the Latvian, while further down the peloton Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen fought back in the peloton, as he went into 11^and then 8^and by the end of the race. Fernandez was also able to move up to sixth ahead of Jordi Tixier of JT911 KTM Racing.

In the end, Prado won his first qualifying race of 2022 crossing the line 4.639 seconds ahead of Jonass who was able to hold the position and keep Gajser behind him in third. Bogers finished fourth with Seewer fifth.