If the disappointment of losing out on the MXGP overall on the last lap of the second race in Argentina was weighing heavily on Tony Cairoli’s mind, the nine-time champ didn’t show it.
“First of all I’m really happy to be on the podium,” said the Italian, who won the qualification race and Sunday’s opening moto. “We almost make it to the perfect weekend.
“Second moto I had a good start and I had a good gap. I was trying to pull away a little bit but I got some lappers and I changed some lines and made a few mistakes and had to slow down a little bit.
“Jeffrey could come closer, he was stronger than me the last two or three laps. Too many mistakes – I was a little tired and he had the chance to go around me and take it, It was a good move.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the championship. It’s going to be a very interesting season.”
Just to put things into context, last year Cairoli could only manage seventh in Argentina. Jeffrey Herlings may have beaten him in this year’s opening round but the Red Bull KTM team-mates are tied on points so it’s honours even heading into round two at Valkenswaard in Holland in two week’s time…
