Spain GP - Rider Comments
Champions crowned, pentalties given and a whole lot for the riders to talk about. Below is what many thought of the last GP of the season in Spain.
Jorge Prado: “I almost don’t know what to say - I’ve got the title here in Spain, and it’s just incredible! It’s been a great year, and I think the team and I truly deserve this title after all the work we’ve put in. At the start of the season, I never imagined being in this position, but today everything just clicked. That second moto felt super long, but crossing the finish line was the best feeling. So much goes on behind the scenes with the team to get results like this, and I’m so grateful to take home my fourth world title here in front of family, friends, and fans. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support - it’s been an awesome year, and I’m proud we did it together!”
Jeffrey Herlings: “I don’t agree to have been docked three positions in the first moto. It hurts a little bit. Overall it’s been a positive championship. It could have been better for the final result if my starts were there but that’s also something I have work on. Congratulations to Jorge. He was the best and he deserves it this year.”
Tim Gajser: Obviously to come second in the championship and be so close to winning is difficult, but overall I can’t be too critical of the year we had. There were a lot of positives to take away from this year, and even though it is hard to see those right at this moment, I am still proud of what we achieved and to be the second-best motocross rider in the world is still incredible. The team and I did everything we could to make it happen and a big shoutout to all of them for their work in what has been a long and intense year. I couldn’t do it without their support and wish I could have made it happen for them. Now, I have the Motocross of Nations next weekend and then it’s a bit of a break before trying to do it all over again next year.
Kay de Wolf: “It’s amazing! And on my birthday! I just have so many emotions about this result. This team has believed in me from the very beginning - back in 2018 when they signed me for the 85cc. They have continued to support me every single day. From the 125cc, to the EMX 250, and now in MX2, it’s been absolutely unreal. I couldn’t have done it without all the hard work from this team - they have done an amazing job! I did what I had to do today to make sure the result was secure. I got a good start in the second moto, grabbed the holeshot, and then just rode smoothly to reach the final flag. Thank you so much to all my friends, family, and the entire team around me - I’m super grateful. Thank you so much! I’ve got this gold plate finally in my hands - we are definitely going to celebrate this one for sure!”
Lucas Coenen: "It’s tough to come so close and miss out on the title by just 20 points, but I’m incredibly proud of the way I raced this season. Winning the final round and having such a strong run of victories throughout the year shows what we’re capable of. I have to thank my team for all their hard work and support—they believed in me every step of the way. We’ll take all the positives from this season and come back even stronger next year!"
Romain Febvre: «I rode two strong races today; I made two good starts but at the first one the rider in front of me slid out and that cost me a few positions. I was twelfth and came back to fourth, then in the second moto I started in third position to finish second behind Jeffrey (Herlings) with a similar rhythm and speed to him but it was difficult to pass on this track. The result didn’t really reflect my riding, but I’m happy with my second moto, especially on such a track. Now I’m focused on the MX of Nations; Matterley is such a nice track and I feel confident for this last race of the season."
Thibault Benistant: Not a bad day today. My feeling and enjoyment of riding the track were much better than previous rounds, so this is really positive. I was missing a little bit of speed, but overall, it’s been a good day. Being on the podium is a nice way to end the season, and it gives me a lot of confidence heading into the off-season.
Karlis Reisulis: My day started good with a fast time in warm-up, but in Race One I had a little bit of arm pump after a really good start. I had a much better race going in the second moto, but then I stalled my bike while running in sixth. That was frustrating as I lost a lot of places, but my riding was much better, so I’m happy about that. Now, it’s onto the Motocross of Nations next weekend to end the season.
Mikkel Haarup: “That’s the last round of the season finished, and what a year it’s been. Today was tough, and my start in race one wasn’t good, which cost me a chance at the overall podium. From mid-season on, my goal was to finish top five in the championship, and with the team, that’s what we did. I want to say a huge thanks to Monster Energy Triumph Racing – this has been the best season of my career by far. We’ve achieved so much, and I’m proud to have represented the Triumph brand in its first season of racing in MX2. Now it’s onto the Motocross of Nations, and I’m really looking forward to representing Team Denmark.”
Camden McLellan: “That’s a wrap on the final GP of the year, and it’s been a bit of a tough one. With the team we tried a few different settings for this track, but it was really tricky as there were a lot of rocks and not a lot of traction. But I made the best of it, and if it wasn’t for a couple of mistakes, my results could have been better. My speed was good though, so that’s positive. I have to thank the team so much for the opportunity this year, and I want to praise Triumph for making such a great motocross bike at its first attempt. The season isn’t quite over as we have the Motocross of Nations next weekend, which I’m excited for, and then it’ll be the off-season and a time to rest and recharge for 2025.”
Jeremy Seewer: "I had good speed and rode solid with 3-5 motos for fifth overall; there were many positives and I again had three good starts. It was a tough season but I finished fourth overall in the standings. Now I'm looking forward to the Nations. Switzerland has a good team; we are not the favourites but I feel we can fight for top-five."
Simon Längenfelder: "I’m happy with how my season went overall, finishing third overall in the championship. Of course I wanted to finish higher but it has been a tough year, but I managed to grab some big results and show what I’m capable of. The final round didn’t go as planned, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team. Huge thanks to Red Bull GASGAS and everyone who supported me - I’m already looking forward to coming back stronger in 2025!”
Andrea Adamo: “I think my speed could have been better today but P2 overall was not a bad way to end the year. It was a tough season; we all worked so hard. We had some issues but we have ended it on a positive way. Now the Nations and it will be a lot of fun, as always, riding for Team Italy.”
Maxime Renaux: "This Grand Prix was a nightmare for me. During the entire weekend I felt no ‘connection’ with this track and my bike. It was a survival from the start. I couldn’t even push.That was quite a slap in the face to me. Well, this must be part of the process to come back, right? I can only accept it and continue the hard work. Next week, in the Motocross of Nations I’ll get a new opportunity. On a track that suits me a lot better."
Mattia Guadagnini: "It’s not the way I wanted to end the season, but sometimes that’s racing. I had a tough time in the last round, crashing out of the first moto and unfortunately not being able to start the second moto. Overall, it’s been a season of ups and downs, and I have learnt alot, but I’m grateful for the team’s huge support throughout the season. Now, I’ll take the winter to heal and come back stronger and more prepared for next year!"
Glenn Coldenhoff: “The weekend started off difficult. I struggled out there, didn’t feel like myself, and rode way too tight. It got a bit better in the qualifying heat after we made some changes to the suspension, which worked out pretty well. Sunday’s motos were quite similar. In the first race, I had a bad start, I was far back and tried to catch up, but the track was really one line, making it tough to pass. My start was a bit better in the second moto and I made a few passes early on, but then I spent the entire race stuck behind Guillod. 11-7 for eighth overall – this is still not where I want to be. I am disappointed with the result, but at least we improved over the weekend. My riding wasn’t bad, but the results don’t reflect that. We have one more race weekend to go, and I am really motivated for the Motocross of Nations. I hope to finish the season strong and will give it my all to get on the box with Team Netherlands.”
Brian Bogers: “It wasn’t the end of the season we had hoped for. I struggled at the start of race 1, and then had a big crash in race 2. It is a shame to finish like this and lose a position in the championship standings, but overall, I am quite happy with the season. I am looking forward to improving together with the team this winter and coming back stronger next year. We want to bounce back!”
Ruben Fernandez: I never really had a good feeling with this track, which was a bit of a shame because I wanted to do well in front of my home crowd. It was still nice to have all that support around the track though and I’m excited to have Spanish GPs in the future. Overall, I am happy with how the season went after my injury, I had some good results and progressed well, and now I want to put everything into Team Spain for the Motocross of Nations.
Andrea Bonacorsi: "I had a great start in the first moto, but the I suffered from pumped arms. When Febvre passed me I lost the good rhythm. Luckily I managed to keep P7. In the second moto my start was a lot worse but I quickly managed to pass Renaux for the ninth place. Halfway through the moto I suddenly got stomach cramps and I lost several places. Twelfth overall: that’s not so good. Still I can be satisfied of my World Championship. I managed to finish just with the top ten. And I didn’t participate in the first four Grand Prix. It was an awesome experience. I learned a lot and it surely makes me hungry for more in 2025."
Cas Valk: “Happy to finish the year off with an another podium! We had a year with ups and downs but we kept going and made the best out of it! Thanks to Simon and Shaun for this year and everyone from the team and I wish them the best of luck for the future!”
Josh Gilbert: “Really happy to have finished the season off with another double point scoring weekend. The track was difficult with a lot of stones and bike set up being difficult to feel comfortable with how the track developed. This season has definitely been my hardest one to date but we kept pushing through despite the injuries. I’ve learnt a lot this year and injuries aside, looking back I’ve had some really good moments throughout my first MXGP season. These riders are another level and to ride against them week in week out has been great. I can’t thank Simon, Shaun and KTM enough for giving me this opportunity despite it not gong how we planned. It’s sad our partnership has come to an end but I wish the team all the luck as they grow into the new EMX250 Factory Junior squad and thank them for all their hard work and support this season.”
Ferruccio Zanchi: It is great to get my highest points score of the year, at the final round. Putting in three solid results is what I’ve been aiming for all year and I think it is a good sign that I was able to keep trying and trying and finally get it done at round 20. A big thank you to the team because it hasn’t always been easy but together, we’ve worked through the difficulties and this result is down to all our work. I’m really happy with the year, but I’m also excited for the future too.
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