Undefeated since 2012, MX2 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings is already eying dates this season to celebrate a third consecutive title due to his massive 135 point lead over Red Bull KTM team-mate Jordi Tixier in the standings.
With four rounds and just 200 points remaining after this weekend’s Grand Prix of Finland it is possible that Herlings could start his party as soon as the Czech Republic fixture – where he claimed the 2013 crown – at the end of this month.
Due to a shoulder problem and absence from the Grand Prix of Brazil (round three) the Dutchman had to wrestle the red plate as MX2 points leader back from Arnaud Tonus at his home race at Valkenswaard and round six of the campaign and since then has extended his advantage by winning every single moto.
He was handed more breathing room in the wake of Tonus’ practice crash and dislocated shoulder at the German GP last month.
“For sure you need some luck with winning it early but with Arnaud getting injured in Teutschenthal things changed really fast,” Herlings said ahead of the Finnish meeting at Hyvinkaa this weekend. “We will see what happens [this weekend] but it might be possible to do it in Loket.”
“Saying that, it would be really nice to do it at Lommel [site of the Belgian Grand Prix on August 3],” he added. “The faster the better just in case of any injuries.”
Herlings is a shoe-in for victory in the deep sand of Lommel that is a site likely to see more support and adulation from his Dutch fans.
It will be the last European-based meeting of the season before the term closes with races in Brazil and Mexico. Herlings is already committed to another MX2 shot in 2015 where he will be aiming to take four titles and set a record in the smaller cylinder category at the age of 20.
