We have said it many times, but World MXGP champion from 2015, Romain Febvre just doesn’t give up. Despite seeing his series points lead by diminished over the last six weeks, the Frenchman fought back at Matterley Basin and controlled the Grand Prix with a stunning 3-1 performance. Now, with the riders taking a nice two week break from the series, Febvre can take a breath, relax and come out swinging for the round in Finland in two weeks time.

Saturday

On the Saturday, the Frenchman immediately confirmed his liking for the vast sweeping track in the south of England with fastest time in Free Practice before earning fifth gate-pick for Qualifying in Timed Practice.

Fifth past the pit straight out of turn one he pounced for fourth within the next few corners before lining up a decisive pass on his closest championship rival, building exhilarating speed through the final turn to carry the momentum along the home straight.

Grip was at a minimum on the hard-baked surface, but the combination of Febvre's delicate throttle control, the smooth power delivery of the KX450-SR and the superb traction of the Dunlop tyres saw him make a further exquisite pass for second in a sweeping downhill turn to set his sights on the leader.

Their pace took them fifteen seconds clear, and the Kawasaki rider was able to close down the leader time-and-again without the opportunity to make the final pass. But second place extends his championship lead to twenty-nine points heading into the Sunday show.

Moto One

The Frenchman already converted a sixth-placed start to fifth on the opening lap of race one, but further advances proved difficult as all of the championship front-runners were up front and running a strong pace and it was lap nine of sixteen before he could force his way under Fernandez for fourth. Four laps later he advanced to third, but the leaders made no mistakes, and he had to accept that position at the chequered flag.

Moto Two

The KRT team made a few technical adjustments before race two and they paid dividends as Febvre took a clear holeshot - his fourth of the series - to lead throughout the race. Setting the fastest racing laps of the entire weekend he eased clear of the chasers to control the race which ran one lap longer than the opener, punching the air with delight as he clinched his fourth GP victory of the season and extended his lead in the series standings to thirty-two points.

Saturday

Febvre: Overall, it was a good day, and I felt really comfortable on the bike. The start is always a little different here with the downhill immediately out of the gate; I didn't get a really good jump, but I could compensate through the turn to come out top six and then I made my way through to second. It was a good battle with Jeffrey the last five or six laps and I could close him down but there was just too much dust to make the pass; I could not see when I got close and had to wait. It's a shame but second was ok.

Moto One

Febvre: I actually had a really good jump in the first moto; the track was harder than I expected, and I had gone for a different tyre, so I missed something on the straight. I could come close to the guys at the front but in the end, they had a little more pace in some places so I couldn't mount a challenge.

Moto Two

Febvre: We went back to my regular tyres for the second race and made some small changes to the suspension for race two and I had more traction. I took the holeshot and that changed my life! I could ride free, take my own lines and control the race, even when Fernandez came back at me strong at the end. The top five guys can all match the speed of each other, so it is so important start in front.

Overall

Febvre: It's been a good weekend. Like I said yesterday, I felt really good on the track. Yesterday was good, but in the first race I didn’t get the start. I came close to the front at some point, but in the end, they had a little bit more pace and I had to fight hard to come back. So, I finished third. But in the second race I pulled the holeshot and that changed my life. I could ride free, take my own lines, and make a gap. So yeah, it’s been a really good weekend. Thanks to all my sponsors and my team."

Pascal Haudiquert image