Jeffrey Herlings luckless in the French MXGP
Round seven of 2023 MXGP dropped onto the steep hillside of Villars sous Ecot for the FIM Motocross World Championship’s first visit to the circuit since 2017. Jeffrey Herlings was luckless to finish 9th overall with a second moto DNF in MXGP.
Considerable work had been done to the circuit layout at Villars sous Ecot, and also in the wake of heavy rainfall in the build-up to the Grand Prix. Deep ruts, bumps and a slowish, technical terrain lay in store for the MXGP and MX2 riders and for what was a typically well attended event in eastern France.
Red Bull KTM figured prominently during the RAM Qualification Heat races on Saturday: Jeffrey Herlings taking a steady 3rd place to grab championship points and the same ranking in the start gate for Sunday’s motos.
On Sunday Herlings produced an unstoppable late charge to pass three principal rivals and reach 2nd position behind Jeremy Seewer in the first moto. The track was at its driest and the circuit was heavily packed with race fans but Herlings was snubbed in his bid for a third win and a fourth podium finish in a row by two technical issues in the second race. The damaged footpeg forced a retirement and meant 9th place overall.
The sandy surface of Kegums will again play host to the Grand Prix of Latvia and round eight on June 3rd-4th.
Jeffrey Herlings, 2nd and DNF for 9th overall in MXGP: “The weekend started pretty well and I was in a good spot for today. I felt good in the first moto and by finishing 2nd we were close to the red plate but second moto we had a couple of issues and unfortunately I couldn’t finish the race. Not the best way to end the Grand Prix but these things can happen. We’re 24 points down now but we’ll work to get them back and I’m looking forward to racing in Holland this weekend and onto Latvia the week after.”
Results MXGP France 2023
1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI), Yamaha, 1-2
2. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 3-1
3. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 4-3
4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP), Honda, 5-4
5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED), Yamaha, 8-5
9. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 2-DNF
Standings MXGP 2023 after 7 of 19 rounds
1. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 342 points
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 318
4. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 263
3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP), Honda, 263
5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI), Yamaha, 243
