Entering the seventh round of the highly competitive MXGP World Championship, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team will travel to the 'Zelta-Zirgs' circuit in Kegums, Latvia where Romain Febvre hopes to reclaim third place in the MXGP Championship Standings. Currently seventh in the series, Jeremy Van Horebeek is near full-strength following the wrist injury he sustained at the MXGP of Europe back in March.
The Belgian, who is one of only four pole-goers this year, is looking to return to top-five form and make his way back to the podium.
"I like the track in Latvia." Febvre admitted. "The most important thing there will be the start because the first corner is 180 degree's so it's really difficult and it's important to be at the front. If we get off the gate, it will be a good weekend and I am excited to go there.
Situated approximately 50 kilometers South-East of the Latvian capital, Riga, the Zelta-Zirgs circuit is relatively young. It hosted its first Grand Prix in 2009 where Antonio Cairoli took his YZ450F to victory in the premier class. The venue has since gone on to host a further seven Grands Prix, and a Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations - at which Team Belgium finished second place after their captain, Jeremy Van Horebeek, powered his YZ450FM to second place in the MXGP class.
The tracks' layout is wide and flowing. It has a firm base with a sandy topsoil and typically develops many hidden square-edged bumps. As one of the most technically skilled riders on the line, Romain Febvre has won two races inside the premier class at the tricky Kegums circuit, and has finished on the podium twice, in 2015 and 2016. The 26-year-old Frenchman is currently fourth place in the MXGP Championship Standings, 9-points shy of Clement Desalle in third, and is determined to repeat his former success.
