The qualifying races of the MXGP of Leon-Mexico graced the Mexican soil today and at the end of the qualifying races Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington took the pole positions.

Gajser made his way past the KTM of Glenn Coldenhoff before they completed the first lap to move into the lead. He eventually pulled a comfortable gap, which he maintained to the chequered flag.

It was the second qualifying race in a row that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff rocketed into the first turn to claim the holeshot over the rest of the field, Coldenhoff battled for the lead with Gajser until a costly error took him out of the race.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin had a good start and he was third on the first lap before he moved to second on lap four after Coldenoff’s issue. Gautier stayed in a lonely second throughout the race, earning himself second gate pick for Sunday’s race one.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie put another Husqvarna in the top three for qualifying. After starting in fifth he gained ground throughout the first half of the race on Clement Desalle. Anstie passed Desalle on lap six of 12 putting himself into third for the rest of the session.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Desalle started in fourth and after a battle with Max Anstie he felt pressure in the closing stages of qualifying from Jeremy Van Horebeek. Desalle was however able to keep Van Horebeek outside of striking distance maintaining the fourth place, which could give him the start he needs to reach Sunday’s podium.

Meanwhile Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Van Horebeek had a solid qualifying performance to follow up on his podium from the last round in Argentina. He moved into fifth on lap five, where he had pressure from Antonio Cairoli for several laps.

The MX2 qualifying race started with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington taking the holeshot. The American lead every lap and by the end of the session he had a 12.5-second gap on the competition.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass was third off the start but he made a pass on lap six. Jonass settled for second as Covington’s gap was too vast to conquer, while LRT KTM’s Julien Lieber was third.