Herlings and Vialle dominant for first Italian grand prix in Trentino triple

MXGP of Trentino: this weekend took the fourteenth Grand Prix of the 2021 Motocross World Championship in Pietramurata.

MXGP

Twelfth podium from fourteen and seven wins for Jeffrey Herlings after 1-1 in Italy who extends narrow championship lead to 24 points.

Jeffrey Herlings:“We started off strong in Timed Practice and I had a good jump off the gate in the first moto but rode into the first two turns too careful; like an old grandma! I got up to 10th but a good start is crucial now because the guys in 7th-8th are riding so fast and when they have good lines it is hard to pass. It took me some time to get going. The first 15 minutes were awful but the last 15 were really good. I came from far back and closed-up to the leaders. The second moto start was better. Tim [Gajser] made a mistake and I was into 2nd. Jorge was tough to pass but he was riding the right lines. Once I managed it, I was able to check-out and control the race. It was good. I’m looking forward to Arco and the shorter start straight there!”

Jeffrey Herlings:“It wasn’t an easy one today and this is not an easy track for passing. The first moto was tough but I had to fight even more in the second one. I could see the others ahead in the first laps and I thought ‘now, it’s go-time’ I played it smart and went it count in the last couple of laps. I want to thank Red Bull KTM for their excellent work. I’m in very good shape but we never underestimate the competition.”

Jorge Prado: “I gave everything I had. 100%. Even with a broken bone I was fighting for top five in the first moto. It was a pity about the crash with five minutes to go but I still managed to finish. I suffered a lot. I missed the start completely in the second moto and wasn’t happy about 17th but I cannot really fight in my situation at the moment. Hopefully it will be less painful on Wednesday. Starts count for so much here and I also want to make less mistakes like I did in the second moto.”

Tony Cairoli: “Not much to say. I was off in both races on the first lap through no fault of my own. The day was disappointing after starting well in Timed Practice. The race starts mean so much here and all we can do is hope for better and try to be on the podium for the next two. We want to enjoy the last few races.”

MX2

Fifth MX2 victory from the last seven Grands Prix for Tom Vialle, now is 3rd in the standings & 4 points from 2nd.

Tom Vialle: “A great weekend. The first moto was perfect then it was a long second moto but I had some strong lines and Jago {Geerts] could not pass me. I want to thank the team, we prepared well and it was another good day; another 1-1 and I’m really happy. We’re trying to close the gap in the championship as much as possible and anything can happen.”

Rene Hofer: “The day began really well with 3rd place in qualifying but I had a top twelve start in the first moto and around this track you lose quite some time when you’re not at the front. I rode a solid race in P8. I was 2nd after Tom in the second race and could follow his pace for four laps and unfortunately, I made a small crash. I fell back to P5 and finished there. Riding-wise the day was pretty good and I had the speed for the podium. I’m looking forward to another two races here. I like the track, it’s not perfect but I like being here and will search for the podium again.”

Mattia Guadagnini: “Probably the worst race of the year! It started with a big crash in Timed Practice and then I wasn’t feeling so great. I had a terrible start in the first moto and was trying to make some passes when I went down again. I lost the rhythm and just tried to get some points. Of course, 18th is not what I want. The second moto start was better and the whole race generally, even if I lost a few too many positions on the second corner for my liking. 7th was just OK and we’ll get better for the next GP.”

Motocross World Championship 2021, Round 14 – Pietramurata 1 (ITA)

MXGP
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)

13. Jorge Prado (KTM)

DNF. Tony Cairoli (KTM)

MX2
1. Tom Vialle (KTM)

5. Isak Gifting (GasGas)

7. Rene Hofer (KTM)

9. Stephen Rubini (Honda)

12. Mattia Guadagnini (KTM)

14. Simon Längenfelder (GasGas)

23. Gianluca Facchetti (KTM)

29. Filippo Zonta (Honda)