Herlings knows it will be a tough job holding onto the MX2 red plate.

Red Bull Teka KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings has left the Grand Prix of Portugal with an overall win and the coveted MX2 red plate, marking the first time the 16-year-old Dutchman has led the series.

After taking second in the first race close behind team mate Ken Roczen, Herlings was able to capitalise on a crash from Roczen in the second moto.

Eventually taking second to a hard charging Tommy Searle in moto two and subsequently the overall, Herlings is excited about taking the series lead, but knows there is plenty of work ahead in order to hold onto the red plate and win the title.

“I’m six points ahead of Kenny now and I have to keep it like that. It’s going to be really hard because Ken is in very good shape and he’s really fast, but all in all it was a good weekend for me,” said Herlings.

“I’ll try to be cool, that’s the main thing I have to do to hold onto the red plate. It will be hard but I’m looking forward to the races next weekend and I hope to keep it.”

Herlings now holds a six point lead in the MX2 championship heading into round seven of the series this weekend in Spain.