Words: Adam Wheeler

The 2017 Czech Grand Prix could be a special chapter of Red Bull KTM Pauls Jonass’ MX2 World Championship season, particularly if the 20-year-old goes on to become Latvia’s first title-holder by claiming the crown.

Jonass stretched his lead in the standings to 47 points over Suzuki’s Jeremy Seewer courtesy of his sixth win and 11th podium finish of the year.

That number 41 was able to walk the top step of the box at Loket was particularly rewarding after the crash that led to a concussion and long-term absence at the same venue 12 months earlier. Jonass claimed the accident had a significant effect and morphed a fast rider with a propensity for spectacular tumbles into one that was highly consistent and focussed.

“Last year at that track I ended my season and it was very disappointing,” he recalled. “It was a breaking point for me and I was very low afterwards but from that I changed a lot – both mentally and with my riding style – and I think people can see that. It is a nice feeling to come back from last year’s crash and win overall.

“I’m happy to win again and it feels like a long time,” he added on his first overall victory from the last three rounds. The sand specialist is one of the favourites for honours in the Belgian and Dutch grands prix that remain from the six rounds left on the 2017 slate.

Seewer’s home round in Switzerland will occur in three weeks and the finale in France at Villars sous Ecot is also close to the Swiss border. MX2 is heading for an exciting showdown – the series has been decided in the last moto twice in the last three seasons.