News 11 Sep 2017

Jonass looking to take Cairoli's approach into France's title decider

Latvian still aiming for race wins with MX2 title on the line.

Source: Supplied.

After falling shy of claiming the MX2 World Championship last weekend in The Netherlands, current points leader and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Pauls Jonass is aiming to take his teammate Antonio Cairoli’s approach into this final grand prix of the year in France.

Jonass had a strong first moto finishing second at Assen, which initially looked like the title was his for the taking, however a rough outing in race two denied of him the opportunity.

Carrying a 41-point lead, the Latvian says he’s been riding too cautiously and is eager to replicate the mentality of newly-crowned MXGP champion Cairoli and still challenge for race wins despite the title being on the line.

“For sure I wanted to win the title this weekend,” Jonass commented. “After the first race it seemed to be possible but I didn’t get a good start in the second race and struggled on the first few laps.

“I had some close calls with riders next to me and took it carefully, maybe I was too cautious. I put pressure on myself and that was my problem in the second moto. Saturday was very bad but I turned it around and got on the podium again.

“Now I have a 41 point lead but I will try not to look at that in the next moto; as you saw with Tony today he took the holeshot and was pushing until the last laps to pass Jeffrey. I want to have the same approach next weekend.”

Villars sous Ecot will host the final round of the prestigious world championship this weekend in France.

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