Heading to Ottobiano

For the MXGP and MX2 Grand Prix riders a new GP venue stands before them this weekend at the Ottobiano circuit in the north of Italy.

While this is a circuit that many have ridden, it hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground. Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings raced there in the winter, as his preparation for the 2017 season, but it didn’t end well. Herlings picked up an injury, but doesn’t go to Ottobiano with any negative feelings.

“You can crash anywhere at any track, at any time. That was just bad luck and I just had a small crack in my hand. I am not scared to go back there, in fact I am really motivated. I feel I am on a bit of a roll, being on the podium three of the last four rounds, and obviously in France we had bad luck, but we showed we can ride the winners speed. I think we will attack the track, and we are improving my starts and with KTM, it’s great to work with the same goal. We are a great level, but we want to be better and we want to stay number one.

For MXGP series leader Antonio Cairoli, the Ottobiano circuit has been kind to him. He often raced at this facility, and won there in the pre-season. Going to his home GP with a large points lead gives the Italian legend a lot of confidence.

“I’m happy with the championship standings and that’s what really matters at the moment. Now I’m looking forward to the next round in Ottobiano, a track that I really like and where I will get to meet the Italian fans once again.”

Another Dutchman, Brian Bogers, who finished on the podium at the last Grand Prix in Russia, enjoys racing sand, and he has experience around Ottobiano.

“We rode there in the winter. I rode there twice and I like the track. I heard they changed it and I am looking forward to that race, and seeing how we can do. Last few months I haven’t been riding the sand, so I need to get used to it, but I am quicker getting used to the sand than many others, because we are born on the sand.”

Arminas Jasikonis also has a liking for sand circuit. The Suzuki Factory rider just loves making his way around Europe, and enjoying the different cultures and experiences. Italy brings him another stop in his 2017 season.

“I mean being in Europe, I love Europe. Being in my camper and everything. It’s a good feeling, but of course it’s also cool to go to the other places. I mean it’s nice to see, but still, my feeling isn’t the same as when I am in Europe.”

So a couple of days ago all these riders, and another 100 or so, have arrived in Italy, and tried to get a feel for the new look Ottobiano. Who comes out on top we don’t know, but you can be sure, many of the competitors will enjoy this current run of warm weather, after the rain and mud of Russia.

Copyrigyht: Photo: Ray Archer