Source: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings is aiming for a premier class title after completing his rookie season in the MXGP World Championship in second position behind newly-crowned champion and teammate Antonio Cairoli.

The multi-time MX2 world champion endured a difficult start to the season, bouncing back to score six overall wins, three of which were the final three rounds of the series including yesterday’s finale in France.

The Dutchman revealed entering the top division was a reality check, which he now believes will set him up nicely for an assault at the title in 2018 with additional experience and adequate preparation.

“Six overall wins this year and eleven podiums,” said Herlings. “It has been good and I really want to thank Red Bull KTM. They have always believed in me and stuck behind me.

“The second part of the season we were good and strong and have won five out of the last six and I’m super pumped about that. It was a shame about the beginning and the injury but congrats to Tony [Cairoli] again because he was the most consistent and maybe also the smartest rider this season.

“I have learned a lot and I underestimated the guys. I was living in a cloud in the winter and I should have been doing other things. I had a reality check at the first round and I knew I had to change and stick to my programme. I think I am good to go for next year. Our bike set-up is good now and we have experienced a lot – hopefully next season we can move one step up.”

Herlings rounded out the series with a 3-1 scorecard to capture the final overall on offer, and will now set his sights on the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin, Great Britain, where he’ll represent The Netherlands at the 1 October event.