Argentina – Here We Come

For many of the MXGP and MX2 riders, the chance to race the MXGP of Patagonia - Argentina is a dream come true. The brilliantly build circuit, and the massive turn-out of fans makes it one of the highlights of the Grand Prix season, and while it usually early in the season, this year it will open the 2018 championship

British rider Adam Sterry made his Grand Prix debut at the Patagonian track, and his memories are fond of the circuit hidden in the Argentinian nature.

“I have raced Argentina a few times now,” Sterry said. “I did my first Grand Prix there, so that was good. Its one of my favourite tracks. It’s a long way away, but it’s really worth going to, the track, the crowd. I think it’s better as the first round and I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Arnaud Tonus loves to travel as much as anyone and the whole experience of racing in a different country and the excitement of visiting a different culture makes his Argentine trip a pleasant one.

“I am really looking forward to it,” Tonus said. “Also, the human experience. The land and the trip, it was special for me, so it’s a plus. Mentally we have two days we have to be sharp in mind, but we have Thursday and Friday we can enjoy the country. It’s also a pretty cool track, and you can do nice whips there and it’s nice to get rid of some of the pressure and enjoying what you do.

Thomas Kjer Olsen knows that the long trip to Argentina will bring happy memories him.

“I like going there (to Argentina),” Olsen said. “Argentina is a really nice track, so I am looking forward to it. We will try and ride a little more in Belgium, and then I go home quickly to Denmark before the two pre-season races, then it’s pretty much Argentina. There isn’t a lot more time for preparation. We have done a lot of hours on the bike and I feel strong and it’s a little like the settle down moment, the hard work is done

Jeffrey Herlings, the three times MX2 world champion enjoys the layout of the circuit and will no doubt be hoping to add to his success in Argentina.

“Obviously I love the track,” Herlings said. “I also had some bad luck, won a race in 2015 and Pauls Jonass landed on me in the other race, 2016 I won and 2017 was one of the worst races ever. I like the fans there and the track and I like starting the season outside of Europe. It is a nice calm start to the season. It’s going to be a long season. I want to be there for the long run, for the championship. I will try and be consistent in Argentina, and of course it would be nice to win, but to get the championship, you need to get on the podium or top five. If I come out of Argentina with a top five it will be way better than how I started 2017.”

So now with a little over two weeks before the Grand Prix riders start their assault on 2018, many are already placing importance on a good start to the season, in the beautiful country of Argentina.