MX2 Contenders

The battle for the FIM MX2 world championship is really heating up as a handful of riders continue to fight for major points. With four rounds remaining in Italy, The Netherlands, Mexico and America there are still six riders in serious contention. Just 46 points separation that group.

Leading the way is Red Bull KTM Factory rider Pauls Jonass. The Latvian picked up the red plate in the latest round in Lommel, Belgium, although his lead in the points race is just four points over second placed man Tim Gajser. Third placed man Valentin Guillod had an unfortunate DNF in Lommel, and is now 25 points behind Jonass, while Jeremy Seewer is 38 points behind, Jordi Tixier 40 points behind, and Max Anstie is 46 points behind. For Jonass the excitement of the last couple of weeks hasn’t really sunk in.

“I am so surprised.” Jonass said. “I never expected to be holding the red plate at this point of my career. I like it and it feels good. I don’t feel pressure and Stefan helps me out a lot with relaxing at the races. It’s going to be hard work as so many riders are in contention, but I am just going to try and enjoy it and take it one race at a time.”

What is interesting is it’s Anstie who has the most momentum going into this weekend’s round in Mantova, Italy. The British rider has scored six moto wins in the last nine races and has gone 1-1 in both Belgium and Latvia. Still, with a 46 point deficit winning the championship would be a long-shot.

“We have sorted out some things,” Anstie told after his Lommel victory. “We are just working hard and the wins are coming. I love the sand, but I also love rough circuits, so I am excited about the last four rounds. I don’t count on anything, we just come to the races and do the best we can.”

Gajser who recently signed a long term contract with HRC is nervous about the coming weekends, but will try and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

“Actually I try to be calm,” Gajser said. “When you see you have a chance (to win the title) it isn’t easy being calm. You have something in the back of your mind, I just try and be calm. Of course Jeffrey has bad luck this year and I wish him a quick recovery, but that is sport. The season is long and we will do our best.”

So going into Mantova this weekend a long list of MX2 riders will be looking to create their own little piece of history. A victory in Italy for any one of the big six could be the difference from staying in contention or losing hope.