Frenchman Romain Febvre and the Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s Brazilian MX2 grand prix win marked the Swedish manufacturer’s first round victory since KTM took charge of the brand for 2014.

Entering round 16 of the series severely under the weather, Febvre shrugged off his flu-like symptoms by taking victory in Saturday’s MX2 qualification race.

Feeling comfortable on the hard pack, jump filled circuit, the Husqvarna rider started strongly in race one on Sunday and quickly took control of the lead. Despite some pressure in the closing stages, the Frenchman kept his cool to secure a debut race win.

With thoughts of a potential overall victory on his mind, Febvre made a cautious start to race two as he settled into the slippery conditions. Digging deep, he methodically worked his way from seventh to third and in doing so secured the overall win.

“This is an incredible moment for me,” Febvre said. “I won my first race and took my first overall result – it’s fantastic. I’ve been really sick and I honestly didn’t expect to show this form. During the races I could hardly breathe, I was even sick and it was really hard. Race one was perfect – a start to finish victory.

“Maybe nerves got the better of me at the beginning of race two or maybe it was the sickness because I was slow to get going. I had to dig deep at the end of the race but when I crossed the finish line in third it felt amazing to know I was the overall winner. A massive thanks to the Husqvarna, the Wilvo Nestaan team and my family for helping me achieve this important result.”

For Febvre’s teammate Aleksandr Tonkov the weekend was one of mixed fortunes. Third place in qualification showed he was right on pace but numerous small mistakes during race day proved costly. Ninth in race one, the Russian slipped back to 12th in race two.