When the news broke that Neuquén in Argentina was going to open the 2018 MXGP season, riders, mechanics the media and a lot of fans were excited. The MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina has been one of the highlights for the series, and we decided to ask some riders their experiences of the event.
Defending World MXGP champion Antonio Cairoli loved the circuit on his first visit in 2016. He enjoyed the layout, and the atmosphere with the large crowd and fast action.
“The track is beautiful,” Cairoli said. “It is very fun to ride, and there are several points where you can try overtaking, without taking big risks. There are many lines and that’s good for the sport, so the spectators from home can see some good races; this is a safe and spectacular track. The weekend (last year) was very difficult mainly because of the starts and also the riders were very close together on this track, and you could not make the difference; you had to take some risks to pass the others.”
Former MX2 and MXGP champion Tim Gajser loved it last year, and took victory at the circuit. Always performing well on circuits like in Argentina.
“I really enjoy the track,” Gajser said. “I know I was riding well (last year). The crowds here were good and it was nice to hear them cheering when I came past them on the last lap. They had made a few changes to the track last year which suited me.”
GP veteran and multiple GP winner Shaun Simpson always has difficulties working out what set-up to have, as the dirt changes each year. He does love the country of Argentina and looks forward to going back.
“Argentina,” Simpson said. “It is always one of those where you are never sure what type of tire to put on. It is just a soil that nobody is used to riding on, which creates a bit of uncertainty. It is probably the most unpredictable start to a season we have had in a while for set-up. You can go there and think you have a good set-up and still be searching for a good set-up in the first couple of sessions. It is one I will be looking forward to. It is always well organized, and everybody loves going there. It also has a good atmosphere.”
Of course, come March 4, when the best motocross riders in the world attempt to start their season with as many points as possible, the world will be watching. Of course, it might be names like Cairoli, Gajser and Simpson who will be in the points, but in a series as tough as the MXGP series, anything is possible.
