Barely able to talk after clinching the first of two moto victories and sealing overall triumph at Suphan Buri for the Grand Prix of Thailand, Monster Energy Yamaha’s Romain Febvre knew he’d been through one of the toughest MXGP fixtures on the 2016 schedule last weekend. In temperatures touching forty degrees and with a rough, rutted, dusty and demanding new layout north of Bangkok that required total concentration and utter commitment the World Champion was brilliant to secure his first GP spoils of the year at the second round of eighteen. ‘461’ depleted his energy reserves through an entertaining battle with title-rival Tony Cairoli in the first outing but made life easier for himself by taking the lead on the second corner of the next race and running clear by over six seconds for a well-earned 1-1.
MXGP travelled further east after the season-opener at Qatar last weekend and arrived on Thai shores for the fourth year in a row and the third different venue in the last three years. The new build at Suphan Buri was not easy on the eye but the light brown hard-pack was devilish difficult and provided grip that varied from treacherous to generous.
Finding pleasant temperatures in Qatar, the MXGP elite encountered a different level in Asia, almost double the amount of mercury and much higher humidity. Although these conditions were anticipated it was still hefty culture shock for the athletes that had been training, testing and practicing throughout a European winter.
Febvre was sensational hunting and hounding Cairoli in the first moto and the exertions of his charge to secure a first chequered flag of the season left him striving to catch his breath. “I was really happy to cross the line and win the first one but I was so tired I could not even talk!” he said. “Behind Cairoli I was eating the stones and the dust so I was a bit frustrated and struggling a lot. When I passed him I even reduced the speed to try and get a breather.”
The second sprint was simpler fare. “I had the lead by the second corner so it was much easier because I could ride lines without any stress. I made a good gap and rode safely. I’m really happy.”
“It’s really nice to have it but there are sixteen rounds to go,” he commented on snaring the red number plate as championship leader. “I know how to handle the pressure and now I’m looking forward to five degrees and the sand!”
Right behind Febvre was Qatar winner Tim Gajser who was chased onto the podium in third place by Jeremy Van Horebeek. Febvre’s Yamaha teammate banished memories of the 2015 Thai Grand Prix where a slight concussion counted him out of the running but conversely provoked recollections of his podium in Thailand in 2014 – his first for Yamaha – that kicked started a run of success that would culminate with second place in the MXGP championship.
“Before I came here I knew it would be tough for me but I worked hard this winter and also for this Grand Prix…but I don’t know how they [the leaders] do it!” he said. “I always feel miserable after a race like this. I think you can still see the difference on the faces and I don’t think I work any less than those guys…but I’m happy to be up here and it is good to start the season with a fourth [in Qatar] and third and I will keep building from here.”
“It was brutal here and the next time I am in Thailand I hope it will be on a beach,” the Belgian added. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle picked up six points while tenderly guiding his works KX450F with a partially healed left arm.
MX2 was again the domain of Jeffrey Herlings with the Dutchman boasting a perfect score so far in 2016. The podium saw two new names for the season spraying champagne with Jeremy Seewer in second on the factory Suzuki and Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha’s Aleksandr Tonkov taking his blue Monster Energy colours onto the box in third place. The Russian was strong on the YZ250F but almost threw away his result due to a second moto stall that dropped him from third to ninth. ‘59’ rallied all the way back to fourth to book his slot on the podium.
“When I stalled the bike I thought ‘I’m over this…’ but I was able to make some good laps and so overall I’m pretty happy,” he offered-up. “I have a new team and new bikes this year and we are getting better. It was a tough day and I come from a country where the sun is a limited thing!”. Benoit Paturel (fourth), Seve Vsevolod (sixth) and Petar Petrov (eighth) also filled top ten spots while Brent Van Doninck was hampered by a first moto mechanical problem.
Disaster for Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Dylan Ferrandis who suffered a dislocated shoulder in a crash during Saturday’s Qualification Heat. The Frenchman flew immediately back to Europe to have the injury assessed but the double 0-0 from his Thai absence is a blow to his title aspirations.
Ice-baths aplenty filled the temporary paddock at Suphan Buri and ensured a chilly – but necessary – end to a two stint for the MXGP athletes traversing east across the globe. With series promoters Youthstream announcing a three-year deal for an Indonesian Grand Prix to fill the calendar the continent-hopping will not slow. The teams and protagonists of the 2016 series however will be able to enjoy a brief pause now with round three set to take place on Easter Monday March 28th in the sand of Valkenswaard in Holland.