Herlings leads charge to keep MXGP events at one day

Red Bull KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings is leading the charge to keep MXGP events at one day, saying it is cheaper and less risky.

The blue riband series cut down its track time from two days when the pandemic struck but looks set to go back to the longer forma

We should just stay to one-day – less travelling, less risk, cheaper for the industry,” said Herlings. “I don’t see the point in going back to two-days. I think you can also have a longer career with a one-day event.”

Reigning champion Tim Gajser takes the opposite view: ““I cannot wait to go back to two days because a world championship should be two days. If we look to MotoGP or F1 they are on track already on Friday. I think it’s good for the sport and to have more track time would be good.”

The pair did agree that qualification heats and a victory should lead to greater reward when it comes to positions in the start gate.

“If you go to Arco and take pole position then it’s for nothing You can take a good start from 20th position,” said the Belgian. “If you want to do a qualifying heat then do it like F1 or MotoGP where it gives an advantage, otherwise it’s 20 more races, 20 times more risk and possibly more injuries. I don’t see the point of it – but I’m just a rider.”