Clement Desalle now leads the MX1 title chase in the FIM World Motocross Championship.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki World’s Clement Desalle put on a dominant performance at the GP of Sweden, although the Belgian rider still remains focused after taking the win and moving into the FIM World Motocross Championship MX1 points lead at Uddevalla.

Desalle rode through the slippery conditions to a perfect 1-1 moto sweep, taking the total 50 points available at the round.

While Desalle dominated, arch-rival Antonio Cairoli suffered a devistating blow with two DNF’s, rendering his Swedish stop a race to forget. Desalle picked up valuable points due to Cairoli’s misfortune, resulting in the red plate switch of hands.

“It’s a good result today and also a good situation with the Championship. I am happy with my riding,” said Desalle. “I feel confident and could do what I wanted on the bike and this was just as important to me.

“It was a bad day for Tony Cairoli and a good one for me, and it was a bit strange to get the red plate like that but these things can happen in a mechanical sport and I have also had some bad luck this season. We are doing the best that we can and I don’t want to speak about the Championship too early.”

The new MX1 points leader credits his Rockstar Energy Suzuki World team’s hard work and professional outfit to his success to date.

“Every small detail that helps you feel better on the bike or can win you time is really good, my team is so professional when it comes to this and they have so much experience so I have to say thanks to them,” Desalle added.

“We have done some testing and we are trying to improve further and I think some of the work we did last week helped me today.”

Desalle now leads Cairoli by just three points in the overal MX1 standings as the FIM World Motocross Championship heads to the Kegums circuit next for the Grand Prix of Latvia on 15 July.