The 17th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship took to the Schweizer Zucker circuit for the MXGP of Switzerland, August 24-25.
Rains soaked the track following Saturday’s qualifying races, leaving the competitors with two completely different racing surfaces. Both points leaders, Tim Gajser and Kay de Wolf, further extended their championship hopes by claiming their individual overall wins.
MXGP
With three rounds left in the 2024 campaign, it’s now or never for the championship contenders. Gajser still leads the points, and two statement wins in Switzerland show that he’s ready to fight when it counts. Race one saw the Honda HRC rider take the lead on the opening lap before leading every lap en route to the moto victory.
Jeffrey Herlings worked his way to second while reigning champ Jorge Prado caught a second wind and passed his way back into third at the line.
Gajser’s start in race two was less than stellar. This time around, Prado got the early jump and made his way to the lead on lap seven, while Gajser and Herlings struggled from outside the top five. The two veterans battled their way through the field, with Gajser taking the upper hand and making a bold pass for the lead around Prado on lap 12. Herlings sealed the deal shortly thereafter, dropping Prado from first to third in a matter of a few laps. Gajser held the lead to the finish and claimed his first 1-1 sweep of the 2024 season, extending his points lead to 18 over Prado. Herlings’ 2-2 and Prado’s 3-3 gave them second and third, respectively, on the overall podium.
“It’s starting to be crucial,” Gajser said. “We are going towards the end of the championship, just three rounds to go. I lost some ground in Lommel and also in Arnhem. But today I felt good: two solid starts, quick passes, let’s say, made a little gap and then controlled the race. I was enjoying it out there. The track was not easy, so you have to be smart and also pick the right lines.”
MX2
Yamaha’s Thibault Benistant returned from injury and made his presence known by taking the holeshot in the first MX2 race. The French rider led early in moto one before falling and handing the lead to current points leader Kay de Wolf. De Wolf then managed the race from the front and claimed the opening win. Liam Everts moved his way to second in the closing stages of the race, while Benistant passed his Yamaha teammate, Rick Elzinga, for the final spot on the box.
Benistant started up front again in race two, but another Yamaha of Karlis Reisulis quickly took over the top spot. The Husqvarna’s of de Wolf and Lucas Coenen had their fair share of struggles on the opening lap, which allowed GasGas’ Simon Laengenfelder to break away and set his sights on the leader, Reisulis.
Laengenfelder clicked off several fast laps and chipped away at Reisulis, who clearly felt comfortable during his first time at the front. With only a few laps left in the race, Laengenfelder passed for the lead and claimed his fourth race win of the season. Reisulis held on for second, with de Wolf charging back to third at the line. De Wolf’s 1-3 earned him another overall win and extended his points lead to 61 over Coenen. Laengenfelder’s 4-1 finishes gave him second on the day, with Everts taking third.
With three rounds to go, Kay de Wolf enjoys a comfortable championship lead over Lucas Coenen.
“The second race wasn’t as easy as the first one,” said de Wolf. “The first few guys were really fast, and I was struggling with my pace a little bit, but I brought it home safe and gained some massive points in the championship.” CN
2024 FIM Motocross Round 17 Results
MXGP
- Tim Gajser (Hon) 1-1
- Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 2-2
- Jorge Prado (GG) 3-3
- Jeremy Seewer (Kaw) 4-5
- Romain Febvre (Kaw) 6-4
MX2
- Kay de Wolf (Hus) 1-3
- Simon Laengenfelder (GG) 4-1
- Liam Everts (KTM) 2-5
- Karlis Reisulis (Yam) 7-2
- Mikkel Haarup (Tri) 5-4
VIDEO | 2024 MXGP of Switzerland Highlights
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