Red Bull KTM Factory Racing emerged from the eighth round of 2023 MXGP with more distinction as Jeffrey Herlings used his KTM SX-F technology to conquer the wet, fast, rough and sandy-ish terrain around the Zelta Zirgs layout for the Grand Prix of Latvia. The Dutchman clinched both motos with authority while Andrea Adamo was 4th overall and remains the main pursuer of the red plate in the MX2 championship standings.

MXGP arrived to one of the most consistent venues on the FIM Motocross World Championship slate as the Grand Prix of Latvia was once more hosted by the expansive Zelta Zirgs circuit in Kegums. The hard ground with a soft and sandy top layer was again tricky for the riders due to the mix between rough but slippery sections and the overcast and rainy conditions.

Herlings was the standout performer from the Red Bull KTM troupe on Saturday as he took Pole Position in the RAM Qualification Heat; his first Saturday #P1 of the season. On Sunday Herlings chased Jorge Prado and dealt with period of arm-pump as well as a small crash before dropping his lap-times and passing the Spaniard to win the first moto. The weather was at its worst just ahead of the second race but Herlings, who has finished on the podium three times in his last three appearances at Kegums, set a steady pace in 3rd and the blitzed to the front with three laps to go and as some belated sunshine appeared. The most successful Grand Prix winner of all-time (up to 103) is still chasing rival Prado in the standings and is now just 15 points behind the Spaniard.

Results MXGP Latvia 2023
1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 1-1
2. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 2-3
3. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 6-2
4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED) Yamaha, 4-4
5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI), Yamaha, 7-5

Jeffrey Herlings, 1st and 1st for 1st overall in MXGP: “A tough race. I was a bit scared the start mesh was going to be slick in the second moto, so I dropped the revs and almost missed the start but I still came out 3rd. I had to work hard to get through and it was not easy at all to catch and pass Jorge and Romain but when I went for it, I could make it happen. Romain was riding really good. I had to fight. 1st place as well yesterday so a good GP and I’m very happy and pleased to have a perfect weekend. Now onto Germany.”

STORY: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Are Set For The 2023 FIM MXGP World Championship (March 2023)
STORY: Cairoli Takes The Reins As Red Bull KTM Team Manager In 2023 MXGP Reshuffle (October 2022)

photos (c) Ray Archer