[MXGP China] Honda's Herlings wins the qualifying race! Extends session winning streak to 35

In the MXGP qualifying race held in Shanghai, China, Honda HRC PETRONAS's Jeffrey Herlings took the victory. Teammate Tom Vialle also finished 3rd, putting them in a strong position for tomorrow's final race.

Herlings shakes off pressure to finish on top

In the MXGP qualifying race held in Shanghai, China, Honda HRC PETRONAS's Jeffrey Herlings took the checkered flag in first place, winning the qualifying race. With this, he has extended his session winning streak, including free practice and timed practice, to 35.

Although there were concerns about the impact of a crash in free practice, Herlings powered through timed practice and the grueling qualifying race. Starting from second place, Herlings took the lead on the first lap and, despite temperatures approaching 30 degrees, withstood the pressure from behind to finish with a 3-second lead.

Meanwhile, teammate Tom Vialle had a slow start and passed the first corner in 3rd place. Although he briefly traded fastest laps with Herlings, he was unable to catch the two riders in front and finished 3rd. Temperatures are expected to rise even further for tomorrow's final race, which is expected to be a grueling battle for both riders.

Determined to achieve a double podium in the final

Herlings, who won the qualifying race, said, "It was a tough day. The crash in the first practice didn't make things any better, but I'm safe and managed to keep winning every session. I didn't get the holeshot in the race, but I passed early and controlled the race. I couldn't pull away, but winning is the most important thing."

Vialle, who finished 3rd, commented, "My start wasn't very good, and I struggled early on as I couldn't keep up with the two in front. I pushed to catch up, but a small mistake set me back and I settled for 3rd. I know I can get a better start tomorrow, so that's the goal. If I can get to the front, I think I have a chance to win."

Marcus Pereira de Freitas of Honda HRC PETRONAS stated, "It was good to see both riders fighting at the front and trading fastest laps. I think Tom is a bit disappointed that he couldn't battle with the two in front, but he should be better tomorrow. Jeffrey's crash in free practice showed how quickly things can change, but he showed his pace and fitness to hold onto the lead. I'm expecting a double podium tomorrow." Both riders are expected to perform well in tomorrow's final race.

Source:https://automotive.lulop.com/en_EN/post/show/358004/herlings-keeps-winning-with-vi.html