Action form last year's MXGP of Qatar at the Losail Circuit.
The 2017 MXGP season is set to begin for the fifth year in succession at the Losail Circuit on Saturday evening with qualifiers lined up for Firday.
The prestigious event has seen a different winner each year in the premier class. In 2013, when MXGP first tore up the hard packed soil of Qatar, it was Clement Desalle on the top step of the podium. Followed Gautier Paulin rising above the competition to claim the first red plate of the year. Then in 2015 it was dominated by Max Nagl who rode at an untouchable level, and last year the soon to be Champion of Tim Gajser started his season in winning form at Qatar.
The defending MXGP world champion, Team HRC's Tim Gajser who put together an amazing and surprising rookie season last year, will be a top contender this year. The young Slovenian set the world on notice in his debut appearance in the MXGP class here in Losail last year.
This weekend, the 84 of Jeffery Herlings will also be lining up for his 450 debut fresh off of an injury. Although Red Bull KTM Factory Racing did state that he will be healthy and fit to race. The 2015 Champion, Febvre will be lined up in hopes to regain the FIM Motocross World Champion Title but will be up against stiff competition such as Antonio Cairoli who will be just as motivated, having claimed the Championship eight times.
Other riders to look out for are, 777 HRC Honda of Evgeny Bobryshev who in 2016 performed well at the Qatar opener placing 3rd overall, Gautier Paulin who now races for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Shaun Simpson, who will be racing for Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team, Arnaud Tonus, Valentin Guillod riding for Honda Red Moto Assomotor, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP's Jeremy Van Horebeek and Suzuki World MXGP's Kevin Stribos.
In the MX2 category, it will be difficult to predict who is going to shine since the defending MX2 champion Jeffery Herlings, along with Max Anstie, have jumped up to the premier class. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has placed their hopes on Pauls Jonass and the MX2 Rookie Jorge Prado Garcia who have now taken over Herlings’spot.
Meanwhile, Team Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer has his heart set on doing better than the fourth place he got last year. Seewer finished second in the championship last year and is one of the favorites to win this time around. While Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Benoit Paturel will be also be looking to get on the box after struggling last year.
The Americans of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’ Thomas Covington and Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei also have the potential to finish amongst the top five.
All races, including the qualifying races on Friday, will be available LIVE and OnDemand on www.mxgp-tv.com.
