JORGE PRADO ON FIRE AT MXGP

A few years back when Jorge Prado ruled the MX2 class, he looked about as dominant as any rider ever has en route to his 2018 and 2019 world title wins. But, like many Pro riders, Prado’s transition to the MXGP wasn’t straightforward. And it’s only now, a few years into his premier-class campaign with the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing squad, that we’re starting to see that same metronomic speed and consistency from the 22-year-old Spaniard. Not to mention the fact that, with three consecutive points-paying Qualifying Race wins this year, Prado is certainly taking advantage of the MXGP’s new points system.

Last weekend, at Switzerland’s Round 3 of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Jorge Prado started the Grand Prix by sprinting to his third qualification victory in succession, and the 10 points that go along with that made his Swiss experience even sweeter. The first moto was similar – he took the holeshot and an unchallenged win with his MC450F. Prado backed that up with a third place in Moto 2, after another holeshot, and therefore maintained his perfect streak of podiums. Prado’s 1-3 moto scores put him in second Overall and helped him extend his series lead to 21 points.

Jorge Prado: “The first moto was very good! I had the holeshot in the second moto and tried to break away, but I did not have the same flow. I struggled to third, and ended up second Overall. But I extended my championship lead and that is the most important thing. I am riding well and staying consistent, so I want to keep going in this direction.”

Prado’s teammates, Mattia Guadagnini and Simon Langenfelder, did have the same success in Switzerland. After crashing in both motos, Guadagnini went 9-12 for 10th Overall, and now sits in 10th place in the MXGP’s points standings. Meanwhile, Langenfelder went 5-5 for sixth Overall in the MX2 class. The young German now sits sixth in the MX2 points standings after three rounds.

The Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing squad will travel to the picturesque venue of Pietramurata, Italy, this weekend the fourth round of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship.