MXGP: Antonio Cairoli Takes Third Qualifying Win Of The Year In Spain
Cycle News Staff | May 9, 2015
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli took his third MXGP qualifying heat victory of the year at the Spanish Grand Prix at Talavera de la Reina.
Before the gates had even dropped most eyes were on Cairoli as he opted to line up on a KTM 450 rather than his usual weapon of choice—the KTM 350. The eight-time world champ grabbed the holeshot, which allowed him to control the race from start to finish. The Italian proved that his decision could potentially be a big step in the right direction.
Last year’s winner, Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MXGP’s Clement Desalle, chased the champ around turn one but was unable to match the fierce pace Cairoli was setting and ultimately settled for second.
In third was Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev, who worked his way through the pack after having an average jump off the gate. Miraculously the Russian emerged from turn two in third where he remained for the entire race.
Rounding out the top five was the MXGP championship leader, RedBull IceOne Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl in fourth and Yamaha Factory Racing Yamalube’s Romain Febvre in fifth.
Meanwhile in MX2, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings put in a last lap charge for his sixth consecutive heat race victory, to remain un-beaten in qualifying this year.
2015 Spanish Grand Prix
Talavera de la Reina
MXGP Qualifying Race Results:
1. Antonio Cairoli (KTM)
2. Clement Desalle (Suzuki)
3. Evgeny Bobryshev (Honda)
4. Maximilian Nagl (Husqvarna)
5. Romain Febvre (Yamaha)
6. Gautier Paulin (Honda)
7. Steven Frossard (KTM)
8. Tommy Searle (KTM)
9. Kevin Strijbos (Suzuki)
10. David Philippaerts (Yamaha)
