Overseas Adventure

It is hard to imagine in just over 7 weeks the FIM World Motocross Championships will return to Doha in Qatar for the opening round of the 2014 MXGP and MX2 Championships. It isn’t hard to forget that first ever night Grand Prix and the excitement the whole event brought to the FIM World Championship riders, mechanics, team owners and media.

Now 10 months later we all prepare to head to Doha for the 2014 opener and I know everyone is looking forward to going back.
Jeffrey Herlings who not so surprisingly won the MX2 overall in Qatar and put together a really impressive ride in the Superfinal enjoyed his Doha experience, but also was excited to head back to Thailand a week after the opener in Qatar.

“I think they did a good job,” Herlings said. “The track was good, the lighting was good, and I hear this year it will be even better. Going to another country is really enjoyable and a lot of fun. Oh man, I can’t wait until the gate drops in Qatar. It feels like I haven’t raced in years and it is only four months. I last races in August and I just can’t wait. I am so looking forward to being behind the gate and battling with some guys. Qatar is a lovely track, of course the light was not perfect last year, dark in some places, but it will be better this year. Thailand, I loved that track, it was rough, wide and many lines, one of the best tracks on the calendar. I will try and do my best and try and win. Qatar is like Anaheim I, all eyes will be on me and I will deal with the pressure and try and win.”

Tommy Searle who made his MXGP debut in Doha was also impressed with the whole experience. The British rider enjoyed the low key and enjoyable atmosphere of the event.

“I really liked it,” Searle said, “I know for the fans it might be nice to start the series in Europe, but with the weather so cold in Europe in March, it is nice to be in a country where you can walk around in a t-shirt and short and just sit by the pool. I really enjoyed the whole experience of Qatar and Thailand.” 

Of course this year the Grand Prix riders will again make their way to Doha, Qatar and spend a little time preparing for the event. Just like in 2013 the warmer weather, friendly nature of the locals and exciting circuit will bring a lot of attention to the FIM World Motocross Championships and whole World will sit up on watch on March 1, 2014. 

Photo: MXGP action - Ray Archer image