ISSUE 3 - MXGPFRANCE
KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, the
current championship points leader, had
somewhat of an off weekend where he
struggled to pick lines and put in the laps he
wanted. In Race 1 Cairoli was 3rd for 16 laps
but he made it into second for the final two
laps. Race 2 started with the FOX Holeshot
but he was passed by both Desalle and Paulin,
an uncommon occurrence. Overall it was a
positive weekend for Cairoli though with a
2-3 finish for a second overall, an extended
points lead, and he surpassed a milestone of
8,000 championship points throughout his
career. Cairoli in the race press conference
said: “I don’t think of the championship so
far as there are a lot of races to go but I got
points this weekend which is a very positive
thing. I’m very happy about the weekend, I
had a very good start and I eventually found
a good rhythm”.
Third overall but first in the French fans hearts
was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory
Racing’s Gautier Paulin. Paulin admittedly
struggled in yesterday’s qualifying race
and today’s race 1 where he finished 6th.
Paulin and his team made some adjustments
between the races and found a noticeably
improved setting. Paulin was 4th on the start
of race 2 but methodically worked his way
to challenge Desalle. Paulin finished 6-2
for 3rd overall. He stated in the race press
conference: “Fighting for the top today was
great! The feeling on the bike was really
good and I wish to thank my team for that.
Thinking of the next race in Russia, I don’t
know the track but I always try to do my best
at every GP.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s
Max Nagl had his first race win this season
today which was also his first top five of the
XMOTIONMAG • 73