MXGP really starting to heat up
By Infront Moto Racing on 16th Apr 16
The MXGP class is really warming up to something special in 2016. Defending champion Romain Febvre leading the way, and holding the red plate. MX2 champion Tim Gajser sitting a close second in the MXGP points, just three points behind Febvre.
After four round these two have owned the top step of the MXGP podium, two GP victories each, Febvre going 3-2-1-1-3-1-6-3 in his eight moto's, and Gajser putting together 1-1-3-5-1-8-3-1 results. Only Max Nagl, who won the opening moto in Argentina has a race win outside these two. If you were a betting man, one of these two would probably be on top of your list.
We all ask is this the new era of Grand Prix motocross, the post Antonio Cairoli era you might say. But then we also have that man in third place in the MXGP points standings, the great Antonio Cairoli.
No current rider in the world has the same statistics as the veteran Italian. Eight world championships, 74 GP wins, and a determination possibly unmatched in GP history. Since 2005 he hasn't lost back to back championships, winning in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. That is the upside, but there is also a down side to his story.
Since a year ago the Sicilian hasn't been on the top step of the MXGP podium, a record long run without a victory for Cairoli. He has struggled with injuries since a crash at the Italian GP at Maggiora in June of last year. A pre-season crash saw him pick up another injury, and since that crash he has been slowly coming back to his best form.
Going 6-4-2-12-7-2-2-2 is the worst racing month Cairoli has had since 2004 (apart from being out injured), and while he is only 28 points behind Febvre and the red plate, it will take a mammoth effort from the multiple world champion to fight back.
What is great about legends though is they have something special in their pocket, like a joker card, or a four leaf clover. I think Cairoli could probably be 60 points behind and you still couldn't write him off, and if MX2 champions from 2014 and 2015 (Jordi Tixier and Tim Gajser) can win their titles after being 100 points behind Jeffrey Herlings, then anything is possible.
I think we might see more questions answered by Cairoli in Mexico this weekend. I get the feeling he will build on his already unsteady season, and going to Latvia at the start of May, he might even be a favorite to win that GP. Kegums is a circuit that Cairoli loves.
We have two present world champions in the front, and one of the greatest of all time sitting behind them waiting for a mistake, and his chance to return to the place he has owned for the last 10 years.
One thing is for sure, the next month is going to tell us a lot about the 2016 MXGP championship, and I for one will be watching with bated breath.
