Neuquen hosts the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina for the fourth year in a row and the fast and flowing layout of grainy volcanic ash (similar to sand in consistency and how the bumps and waves form) is a popular one among the MXGP elite. The circuit near Villa de Angostura opens the series for the first time after Losail in Qatar raised the curtain on MXGP for the last five seasons.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will be some of the central stars for the many thousands of fans expected to descend on the site this weekend. Tony Cairoli (32 years old) seeks a record-equalling tenth FIM World Championship title in 2018 and his second with the KTM 450 SX-F. The Sicilian wears his customary #222 but is the defending No.1 for the seventh time this decade in the premier category thanks to his six wins (a total shared with teammate Jeffrey Herlings) and podium haul of twelve trophies in 2017. “There are no big differences for 2018 except that I start the season as world champion,” Cairoli said. “It is a familiar feeling but at least I know I can fight for the title whereas before we had two years that were difficult and we didn’t the know the situation. Now we are 100% sure we can fight.”

TC222 came through a strong pre-season period in which he secured his tenth national senior domestic crown in Italy. He knows he faces a renewed challenge from some of the big hitters in the class, not least his own teammates Herlings and Glenn Coldenhoff, and riders younger in age. Cairoli has converted his vast experience and zest for the sport into some of his biggest and most lethal attributes over the past seasons. Now the champion – who recently signed a fresh two-year deal to remain in Red Bull KTM colours – insists his desire to push for more comes from internal drive rather than squaring off against any particular rival.

“It is important to have fun and to check if I can improve in some ways: that’s the challenge,” he says. “I want to see if I can get better, so I am almost going up against myself.”

Cairoli is joined again on the brand new KTM 450 SX-F by 2017 runner-up Herlings. The Dutchman finished the last campaign – his first in the MXGP division – with five wins from the last six rounds. After an effective winter period clear of injury (save for a close call with a first corner crash at the first race of the Internazionali D’Italia in Sardinia) the 23 year old is primed to keep the MXGP title in orange. “No injuries and a lot of testing and a lot of riding,” Herlings says of his prep. “I feel comfortable and strong and we did everything we planned to do without any hiccups. There was that crash in the Italian Championship and maybe I was lucky to escape unhurt but in truth the off-season went perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Herlings, number #84, turned his rookie 450cc term around from a broken hand and shaky confidence to almost total control of the leaderboard. The former three times MX2 world champ is hoping to maintain his form from the last event of the 2017 schedule in France. “Last year was pretty much the low-to-the-high,” he comments. “It ended the other way around from how we started the season when I was really struggling. I went from a broken hand and thinking ‘how to get into the top ten?’ to winning five of the last rounds and being pretty dominant. It was like there were two different ‘Jeffreys’. It felt great to have all those wins and achieve a feeling of being back where we belonged. It was cool. I want more.”

Glenn Coldenhoff (27 and riding #259) has picked up rostrum silverware for the last two years as part of the team. The Dutchman has been fighting to recover from a left hand injury in the last three weeks but should be fit to join Cairoli and Herlings as part of KTM’s three-pronged attack in Argentina.

“I am excited to see the MXGP gate dropping for the first time this year after a long winter of ‘theoretical’ motorsports.Our guys are very well prepared, everyone is fit, so I think we can expect a lot from them over the year. Of course I don’t want to underestimate a single one of our competitors as they have been working hard as well for sure,” said Vice President of Off-road Motorsports Robert Jonas.“We haven’t really seen Jeffrey and Tony together at the pre-season races. I am curious how the two will handle the internal competition this year but I’m sure it will be done with the upmost professionalism. Glenn, as our third 450 guy, had a pretty good preparation as well. I feel that he made a good step forward this winter and will be good for podiums contention.”

For the first time since 2015 the FIM Motocross World Championship will see a number one plate in action with reigning MX2 victor Pauls Jonass eager to retain the single digit with the KTM 250 SX-F. The 21 year old Latvian will be partnered by 17 year old Spaniard Jorge Prado for the second year in a row. KTM have ruled the MX2 contest eleven times since 2004 and with seven different riders. Prado, who won four Grands Prix in his first world championship year (and the longest ever racing calendar by some distance) should be fit for Argentina. Jonass won the Hawkstone Park International and know he faces a new test of his acumen and skill in 2018.

“There is definitely some extra pressure on my shoulders,” Jonass reveals. “Everyone keeps telling me that it is harder to defend the title than to win it the first time. I’m not thinking about the long objective so much at the moment and just focussing on my training and my riding. I’m in the best shape and condition possible, so it won’t be easy for the others to beat me. It will be a fun season I think because there will be another group of guys battling for that top spot on the podium like [Hunter] Lawrence, [Thomas Kjer] Olsen, Prado and [Thomas] Covington for sure. I’ll just worry about myself though and make sure it will be tough for them.”

“MX2 will involves some very strong competition but, again, our guys are all well prepared,” says Robert Jonas. “Prado and Covington are maybe a little delayed but they are ready to go. Jonass and Olsen had a good winter. I think all four will be quite close this year.”

“It is time to see who has done his homework best. I feel 2018 will be one of the most exciting seasons ever as the competition will be very close.I believe we will see many great races and battles this year and of course I hope that one of our guys will be on the top of the box at the end of the season.We are ready and soon it’s race time!”

Neuquen is four hours behind CET. Full coverage of the MXGP and MX2 motos can be seen pan-Europe on Eurosport 2 or via the series’ live streaming service www.mxgp-tv.com. Highlights and key incidents will also be swiftly posted on social media channels and MXGP’s YouTube page.

Original Source[ KTM ]

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