Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen matched his team-mate Tim Gajser’s qualification performance in the MX2 class in Germany yesterday to come home third behind Red Bull KTM’s Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass.

The South African moved into third ahead of American Thomas Covington (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) just before half-distance and at one point looked as though he would catch defending champion Jonass but a late mistake cost him valuable seconds.

“Today was a good day,” he said. “I felt good with the bike and on the track and it was cool to be the fastest in timed practice for the first time this year.

“I had a good start and was fourth after taking the inside line. I got up to speed and rode at my pace while trying to find a place to pass Covington. After a few attempts I was finally able to do it and from then on I managed my position and got a good result ahead of the two races which I’m really looking forward too.”