Jorge Prado | Photo credits: KTM Factory Racing
Reigning MX2 world champion Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM has seized his ninth holeshot from nineteen attempts and from a ninth pick of slots in the start gate after Timed Practice in the morning. The 19-year old led from the first lap of the MXGP of Citta di Mantova until the last and claimed second place throughout. The Spaniard is up to 4th in the Championship table, 35 points from the red plate.
Teammate Tony Cairoli is still a little uncomfortable after breaking his nose on Sunday. However, he made a strong start in the first moto and rode well to secure a lonely 4th place. The Sicilian classified in front of title rival Tim Gajser by one position. In Moto2 Cairoli registered another 4th and crossed the finish line a second ahead of the chasing Glenn Coldenhoff and Prado. He tied on points with Tim Gajser but had to accept 4th overall due to the Slovenian’s better ranking in the second moto. Cairoli is 2nd and just 5 points behind Gajser in the MXGP standings.
“The first moto was perfect with a perfect start and I kept my mistakes to a minimum. I thought I had everything right at the second start but the guys came up the inside and I almost crashed together with Romain [Febvre]. I think I was ninth, or something similar. But got up to a good position for the overall win when I stalled the bike and lost two positions. I charged all the way to the finish and I was happy with my riding. No win but two podiums here now so it was a good day. Hopefully, we can take the win next weekend.”
“I didn’t expect to ride so well. My nose doesn’t bother me for pain, but it is trickier for breathing. I was also losing some balance. So, the motos were pretty good. I didn’t make many mistakes and we stayed at the front – this is good for the championship especially.”