2012 FIM World Motocross – Round 15 – Faenza, Italy

Tony Cairoli – 2012 MX1 World Motocross Champion! Jeffrey Herlings – 2012 MX2 World Motocross Champion! KTM – World MX Champs! Cairoli and Herlings do it in style in Italy, both sweeping their respective Grands Prix!

Faenza

With one round remaining, the RedBull KTM team has clinched both World Motocross titles today in Italy.

MX2 – Jeffrey Herlings, from The Netherlands, won his first MX2 World Championship today by winning both races. It’s Jeffrey’s first world title … and KTM’s fourth in a row for MX2. Tommy Searle, Jeffrey’s closest competitor this season, finished runner-up in each moto.

Jeffrey Herlings – 2012 FIM World Motocross Champion of MX2

MX1 – What can you say about Tony Cairoli? The Italian won his sixth World Motocross Championship, in front of his home crowd. Tony swept both motos today on his KTM 350, winning in the same style he has done all season.

Notes: American Zach Osborne finished 11th overall in MX2. New Zealander Josh Coppins finished 13th in MX1.

Regarding Cairoli – it’s his 53rd Grand Prix victory. And after winning the World Championship, he had this to say: It’s amazing to celebrate the world title here, among my people. They were supporting me since the first lap and they helped me a lot, giving me the strength I needed. I wanted a good start, since I know that it’s really hard to overtake here on this track. But even though I had a little issue with my rear brake in the finale, everything went smoothly. I’m super happy!! It’s so cool to win both the Italian GP and the World Title – it’s been a special day. The second moto was tough. I celebrated right before the moto (after clinching the title in the first moto) and I kinda’ lost my rhythm. But once the race started, I focused again and I managed to win. Pourcel was a tough competitor and I had to give my best. A special dedication to my family and a special thought to my mum (Tony’s mom passed exactly one year ago today), that left us in September last year. It’s been amazing that my dad Benedetto presented me the Cup. I’d like to thank Youthstream for this gift.

And regarding Jeffrey Herlings, after winning his first ever world title: Jeffrey said it had been an amazing day and he still couldn’t believe what happened. He also paid tribute to his rival Tommy Searle and teammate Jeremy van Horebeek. “Tommy was always there and he pushed me a lot, so it was never easy with the pressure he put on me. He’s a great rider and competitor and knowing hie was always there was a great motivation for me. Also my teammate Jeremy was also always close by but he also supported me right through the season,” he said, also paying tribute to his team and to his KTM 250 SX-F machine.

Pit Beirer, Head of KTM Motorsport paid tribute to both factory riders. “It was always going to be hard to follow on from our success in 2012 so it’s a massive achievement to see Tony and Jeffrey take the MX1 and MX2 titles. For Tony it is his sixth career title and his third for KTM. And to do it in front of his home crowd at Faenza is something he really deserves. Tony is much more than an excellent rider. He’s a master tactician and team player and his performances on and off the track are an inspiration to all young riders.” Beirer continued, saying: “One of those young riders is Jeffrey and this, his first MX2 title will surely not be his last. He showed is his all round talent on the hard pack at Faenza and we all know what he is capable of riding in the sand. Following on from our victory in the US National MX Championship with Ryan Dungey we can really say KTM is a world leader. This success is a team effort and belongs to everyone involved – from our excellent team management on both sides of the Atlantic, to our mechanics, our team support staff, and to all those at the KTM Racing Department and R&D.”

Tony Cairoli – winning his 53rd MX GP, and sixth World Championship, in Italy