Jeffrey Herlings Interview

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings put together two consistent races to go 1-1 and win his seventh Grand Prix in a row at the Valkenswaard circuit. The Dutchman also picked up his 50^th GP win, something that only four other riders have been able to do in the history of the sport.

Despite terrible conditions, something that could have made the weekend a complete lottery, Herlings remained calm and just picked his way through the field in his opening moto after not taking the holeshot.

For Herlings it was an easy day at the office, and one that means he can now move onto the bigger job of winning his third MX2 world title.

Q: Jeffrey, how did it feel to win in Valkenswaard?

Herlings: It is pretty amazing to do this in front of my home crowd. It is pretty cool to do it in front of my home fans. The weather wasn’t great, but we did it.

Q: How was your first race? The conditions were terrible.

Herlings: The first moto was tough, I was third, but got roosted and it was pretty wet. I made my way to the front and controlled the race, but I tried to keep the bike running ok, because there was a lot of mud on the bike and that isn’t good for overheating. They did a good job with the track, it was safe and perfect.

Q: You looked good all weekend though, just as you have every single year here.

Herlings: We were fast in each practice and I had three good starts. That was important on this track especially with the heavy rain we had before the first moto. The second moto I took the hole shot and checked out. I’m really pleased with my riding and happy and grateful that I won. Now I’m looking forward to the next GP in Argentina.

Q: With seven wins, do you have a favorite from the victories?

Herlings: I mean, winning this one was one of the easiest ones. I had a tough one with Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin in 2010, it was my rookie year. Also in 2013 it was tough because I was disqualified on the Saturday, and had to start like dead last in both moto’s. The last three years have been solid and I want to keep it that way.

Q: You have won your 50^th GP at Valkenswaard, just a 20-minute drive from your home. How would it be to win the world championship at Assen, your second home GP?

Herlings: It would be amazing (to win the world championship at Assen), but most important is to just finish the season. I learnt a lot from the last couple of years, and any time I can get the championship I will take it. Assen is a long way away, I could dream about it, but if it actually happens, I don’t know.