Red Bull KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings and Tony Cairoli glossed over the slight handbags after the second MXGP race at Matterley Basin when the Italian ignored the Belgian’s outstretched hand.

And neither wanted to deal with any potential fall-out from the first race clash either, instead choosing to accentuate the positives…

First on the list was Herlings notching up 100 podium finishes and 74 GP wins at Matterley Basin on Sunday – all achieved with Red Bull KTM.

“KTM have been a family to me and to achieve 100 podiums with one brand is not something that happens often,” said the Dutchman, “and 74 GP wins is simply amazing so a big thanks to everyone at KTM and especially Pit [Beirer] for believing in me almost 10 years ago and bringing me to where I am now.

“We’ll go to France next with the same goal of making the podium. If we can take a win then great, if not – or even a podium – then we’ll do our best and see how it turns out. The start is really important at St Jean and it is tough to pass. We’ll see how things go.”

Cairoli’s diplomacy after such a controversial weekend was exemplary.

“It was a positive weekend and one in which I found the good starts that were missing in Germany as well as excellent race pace, even if it was not enough to win,” he said. “I had a great feeling in practice on a track that was well prepared and full of lines and in the qualifying race I managed to ride as I wanted and win.

“Today in both heats I managed to ride well – unfortunately the contact with Jeffrey in race one was unexpected but motocross is like this sometimes. In race two I tried to get away but in the end he caught and passed me.

“It’s a shame to lead 25 of the 28 laps without winning the Grand Prix but we must also say that the pace compared to the others is much higher and we have improved a lot compared to last year. We will not give up and will continue to attack next week in France.”