Major battle in Turkey: Gajser chases the champion

Jeffrey Herlings sealed the MXGP world championship by winning the first race of the Turkish Grand Prix in Afyonkarahisar. Tim Gajser finished second for Yamaha, but the result could not revive the Slovenian rider’s already exhausted title hopes.

Herlings added 25 points to reach 830 for the season, moving 151 points clear of France’s Romain Febvre. Only 145 points remain available, with the second Turkish race and the Grands Prix of China and Australia still to come.

Herlings started strongly after winning Saturday’s qualifying session. He led through the opening corners and controlled the race, although Gajser closed the gap slightly toward the finish. Gajser moved into second around the outside of the second corner and stayed ahead of the chasing riders, but lacked the pace to challenge Herlings for the win. Febvre finished third.

Jan Pancar struggled at the start after placing sixth in qualifying. He dropped to 14th before gaining three positions to finish 11th. He has 254 points and remains 13th in the standings.

The title is Herlings’ third in the elite MXGP class, following championships in 2018 and 2021. He had also won the MX2 title three times, in 2012, 2013 and 2016. The second Turkish MXGP race was scheduled for 4:10 p.m.