Ruben Fernandez took victory in qualification at the MXGP of Great Britain, passing teammate Tom Vialle for the lead midway through the moto and receiving the chequered flag for the first time this year. His win, along with Vialle’s third place and Jeffrey Herlings’ fourth, meant it was a very successful race for the Honda HRC PETRONAS team at this excellent Foxhills circuit.
Vialle immediately led the field, with his Honda CRF450RW rocketing off the line and sweeping round the first bend for a clear holeshot. Just behind him was Fernandez and with Herlings inside the top five, it was a really impressive start for the trio. Unfortunately, another rider hit the front wheel of Herlings after one of the steep downhills, forcing the #84 to remount near the back of the field.
For the first five laps, Vialle led from Fernandez, but you could tell the Spaniard was looking for a pass and on lap six he made it happen. From then on, he controlled the race, taking his first chequered flag this year and meaning that all three members of the team have now taken maximum points on Saturday.
Vialle tried his hardest to keep Fernandez in sight, but eventually succumbed to pressure from behind, crossing the line in third place, but again showing more signs that his early-season form is returning. Herlings would finish just a second behind his teammate after a monumental comeback ride, that saw him pass at least half of the field. His speed suggests he can make it another GP win if avoids trouble tomorrow and that will be the goal for the Dutchman in this 12th round of the season.
An eighth place finish for Valerio Lata in the MX2 class, gives the Italian a chance for a good start tomorrow, in what should be another glorious day of sunshine at this historic Foxhills venue.
MX2 Qualification Race
- Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), 25:49.633; 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, Triumph), +0:01.438; 3. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:02.081; 4. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:09.788; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:10.757; 6. Janis Martins Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:11.143; 7. Julius Mikula (CZE, KTM), +0:24.732; 8. Valerio Lata (ITA, Honda), +0:29.715; 9. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Ducati), +0:31.999; 10. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:38.608;
Rubén Fernández 70
Honda HRC PETRONAS
It was great to take the win here, and just feel good on the track. The last few GPs have been tough, dealing with small injuries so to come here and feel better anyway, and then show that on the track was really satisfying. The track was definitely challenging, but after I held off Romain, I was able to check out what Tom was doing out front and plan my move. Really happy with how it went and hopefully I can do the same again tomorrow.
Tom Vialle 16
Honda HRC PETRONAS
Happy to have led a lot of the race and show that my riding speed is good enough to run with these guys. Of course I would have liked to have held on for the win, but that will come, I am sure of that, so I am focusing on the positives right now. The start was also really good and that is important because the level is so high in this class, and getting out front is critical. Overall a good day and more steps in the right direction.
Jeffrey Herlings 84
Honda HRC PETRONAS
Can’t say I’m impressed with the move on the first lap that left me picking my bike up. I think it was pretty unnecessary, which obviously left me with a lot of work to do. Getting up to fourth was a good effort on this track, but it could have easily been better without getting taken out. Tomorrow, I just have to avoid things like that and I can go for another victory here in England.
Valerio Lata 18
Honda HRC PETRONAS
I moved up the field a bit during the race, getting into eighth for the chequered flag, however I know that I need to be mixing it up nearer to the front because just getting inside the top 10 isn’t what I’m aiming for.
Marcus Pereira de Freitas –
Honda HRC PETRONAS
Three riders in the top four is the result that we knew was possible at the beginning of this year, so it was great to see it happen. We are all very pleased for Ruben, who has had some tough races recently, so to see him battling hard and then making to move for the lead was very impressive. Tom’s holeshot was awesome, and then for him to lead some of the race is more positive steps and I’m sure it won’t be long before he is winning races again. And Jeffrey was pretty unfortunate to have to fight his way back, but it is still impressive to see him passing people so easily. Fourth is a solid result and the speed he showed suggests he can definitely make it three GP wins out of four tomorrow.
©HondaRacing_@shotbybavo
