Pauls Jonass: Learning curve
By Infront Moto Racing on 16th Jul 16
Red Bull KTM Factory rider Pauls Jonass is still something of a rookie in the MX2 class, despite it seeming like he is one of the most experienced. He arrived full-time in the MX2 class just 18 months ago, and with a second place finish in 2015 you would imagine he is expected to be the man to help KTM remain as the leading brand in the MX2 class.
It has been a steep learning curve for the Latvian rider. After winning several national championships on the 65cc machine, Jonass won the 2011 85cc Junior World Championship. A year later he started with KTM and switched to the 125cc class, and was fifth in the European Championships and third at the Junior World Championship. In 2013, he dominated the 125cc European Championship, to win his second major title.
After riding a handful of rounds in the 2014 MX2 championship, Jonass was included in the Red Bull KTM factory team alongside Jeffrey Herlings in 2015, and under the guidance of Stefan Everts and finished second overall, nearly winning the title, but eventually losing out to Tim Gajser.
Since that brilliant season Jonass has struggled a little in 2016, due to starting the season with an injury and also finding his team-mate Jeffrey Herlings untouchable.
"I wouldn't say I am happy with this season,” Jonass said. "It started with the thumb injury and I couldn't ride for one month and that was pretty difficult, but in Qatar I got on the podium and I was really happy with that, but then I had some bad results and I was struggling a bit. I am now getting better and better, and the feeling is good, so I look forward to the last six rounds.”
What will be interesting is how Jonass does when riders like Herlings, Dylan Ferrandis, Max Anstie and Alexandr Tonkov move up to the MXGP class in 2017. There will be more pressure as he tries to lead KTM to another MX2 title.
"I don't want to think about next year, we still have six races and I want to concentrate on that and then look at next year when the season is done. As you said I should be battling with Jeremy, but you can see many guys can join the battle. Look at Paturel this year, he has shown he can be fast, and he will be there. Also more guys, it won't be easy, it will be a tough battle next year.”
What is sure is just like it was for Pauls in 2014 and 2015, there will be a massive amount of young talent coming through from the EMX championships. Jonass knows that is won't be easy.
"There will be so many young guys coming into MX2, because of the age limit. I am still the young guy, only my second season in MX2 and for sure I am smarter, but I made so many rookie mistakes this year, I need to focus on that, that that doesn't happen anymore.”
So what the next few months will bring for Jonass nobody knows, but you can be sure he will have one eye on 2017 and improving his consistency so he can help KTM dominate in the 250cc class, just like they have done so often in the last 15 or so years.
