MXoN 2024: PRADO GRABS HOLESHOT NO. 149 WHILE LÄNGENFELDER FIGHTS BACK IN MX2.
Jorge Prado and Simon Längenfelder faced a challenging weekend at the 2024 Motocross of Nations in Matterley Basin, UK. Despite strong performances and impressive recoveries, both riders experienced ups and downs on the demanding track, with Prado finishing 7th overall and Längenfelder showcasing his grit to claim third in MX2.
The 2024 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at the iconic Matterley Basin circuit in the UK proved to be as much of a roller coaster weekend for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Simon Längenfelder, as the hillside circuit itself. The 77th edition of this prestigious event, widely regarded as the biggest stand-alone race in motocross, was contested on the 1,880-metre-long hard-pack circuit, known for its treacherous, rutted surface.
Fresh off securing his fourth FIM MXGP World Championship title, Jorge Prado represented Team Spain with high hopes. He kicked off the weekend in style, qualifying first overall in MXGP on Saturday, setting the tone for a strong start to Sunday’s races. In the first moto, which mixed MXGP and MX2 classes, Prado demonstrated his trademark speed by taking the holeshot by a full bike length – taking his career tally to a wild 149 holeshots. Prado battled fiercely with Tim Gajser for the lead but eventually settled into fourth place behind Eli Tomac and Romain Febvre. Despite his strong start, Prado struggled to find his usual flow and rhythm, finishing the race in fourth.
Meanwhile, Simon Längenfelder, representing Team Germany in the MX2 class, also faced a challenging first moto after an early crash dropped him to 37th place. Determined not to let this setback define his race, Längenfelder pushed hard and climbed back through the pack to finish in a commendable 18th position, just behind seasoned rivals Cooper Webb and Camden McLellan.
In the second moto, which combined MX2 and Open classes, Längenfelder displayed his true potential. Running in third place for much of the race, he was forced to make a quick pit stop for a goggle change, dropping him back to 14th. Refusing to be deterred, Längenfelder put in an incredible effort to charge back up the field, reclaiming third place by the chequered flag.
The final moto of the day, featuring the MXGP and Open classes, saw Jorge Prado start strong, holding fourth place in the early stages. Unfortunately, as the race progressed, Prado began to lose positions and eventually crossed the finish line in 14th place, capping off a tough weekend for the newly crowned world champion.
As the 2024 season draws to a close, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing would like to take the opportunity to shout out for the incredible effort from both Jorge Prado and Simon Längenfelder for staying on the gas across the 2024 season, locking in wins, podiums and the MXGP championship title.
MXGP – #1 – Jorge Prado: “It’s always an honour to represent Spain at the Motocross of Nations, especially at such a challenging track like Matterley Basin. The fans and the atmosphere have been amazing all weekend. I felt really strong after qualifying first on Saturday, and getting my 149th holeshot was a great start to Sunday’s motos. But unfortunately, I just couldn’t find my rhythm, which was frustrating. It wasn’t the result I wanted, but that’s part of racing. It has been an incredible year, and we are all still smiling after winning the championship title at the last round at home in Spain. I want to say a big thank you to everyone at Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, and all my friends and family for their support this season!”
MX2 – #516 – Simon Längenfelder: „This weekend had its ups and downs, but I’m proud of how I fought through the races. I have had some great results here at Matterley in the past – it is the place where I got my first podium and win. After the crash in the first moto, I just tried to push and charged back to 18th. In the second moto, I was fighting for a podium but had to stop for a goggle change, which set me back. Still, I managed to fight back to third, which felt great. Competing against the world’s best riders is always a challenge, and it’s, of course, an honour to represent Team Germany. Thank you to everyone at Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing and all of my family for their support!“
2024 FIM Motocross of Nations Results:
MXGP/MX2 – Moto One:
1. Tim Gajser (Honda)
2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki)
4. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)
5. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)
6. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna)
18. Simon Längenfelder (GASGAS)
21. Andrea Adamo (KTM)
22. Tom Vialle (KTM)
39. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna)
MX2/Open – Moto Two:
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda)
2. Ruben Fernandez (Honda)
3. Simon Längenfelder (GASGAS)
5. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna)
7. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
12. Tom Vialle (KTM)
20. Andrea Adamo (KTM)
DNS. Lucas Coenen
MXGP/Open – Moto Three:
1. Tim Gajser (Honda)
2. Jett Lawrence (Honda)
3. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
5. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)
8. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
14. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)
Motocross of Nations – Overall Classification:
1. Australia 26pts
2. USA 29pts
3. The Netherlands 36pts
4. Spain 45pts
5. France 50pts
6. Germany 62pts
7. Slovenia 67pts
8. Italy 70pts
9. Switzerland 86pts
10. Latvia 103pts
Text/Bild: GasGas