MXGP Latvia: Prado and Geerts on pole for Kegums

First day of racing has concluded with Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts dominating the MXGP and MX2 qualifying races, to secure pole positions for tomorrow’s main action.

As the gate dropped for MXGP qualifying heat, it was Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who got a flying start and led the way ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer who was very briefly in second, though home favourite Pauls Jonass of Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing was quick to get around the Swiss, who then dropped to third ahead of Team HRC’s Tim Gajser.

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

For almost four laps, Fernandez kept Gajser at bay, making it hard for the Slovenian to get around. Gajser was patient and by the fifth lap was able to find a way through and focus his attention on Jonass ahead. 

Diga Procross KTM Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen had a big crash on the same lap, as he went out of 10^th. He swiftly received medical attention, but the consequences of this crash are yet to be known as we wait on an official update from his team.

Fernandez then crashed too, as Gajser caught onto the back of Jonass, who was around 3.685 seconds down on Prado, who was set in his how rhythm and pulling away. 

Gajser then went off track as he pushed to get by the Latvian, while further down the field Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen was fighting back through the pack, as he got himself into 11^th and then 8^th by the end of the race. Fernandez also was able to come back to sixth ahead of JT911 KTM Racing’s Jordi Tixier.

In the end, Prado went on to win his first qualifying race of 2022 as he crossed the line 4.639 seconds ahead of Jonass who was able to maintain the position and keep Gajser behind him in third. Bogers was fourth with Seewer fifth.