Image: Enzo Tempestini.

Round 12 of the FIM Motocross World Championship commenced with Rockstar Energy Suzuki World’s Clement Desalle and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings heading into Sunday on pole.

Australia’s Dean Ferris slotted into 10th upon return with the Red Bull IceOne Racing Husqvarna team. That result came after he starred in free practice, setting the second quickest lap time on board the factory FC 350. He dropped to eighth in the following session.

Leading the way Rockstar Energy Suzuki World’s duo of Desalle and Kevin Strijbos went one-two around turn one with Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Steven Frossard, Ferris and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli all up in the mix, too.

While Desalle put his diesel style of riding to good use, remaining steady and consistent to take his second pole position of the year, his teammate Strijbos looked eager for the win. While Strijbos charged hard, coming in on Desalle from all angles, it wasn’t enough at the checkers and he had to settle for second.

Meanwhile, Frossard pushed hard the entire race, too, eating roost off the rear wheels of the two Suzuki’s that led. Also within striking distance Cairoli looked content with fourth pick of the gate not doing anything drastic to move into the top three, eventually finishing fourth behind the Frenchman Frossard.

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Van Horebeek didn’t quite come to grips with the surface during the race and finished in a distant fifth, while Ferris, who was initially racing up front, made a few mistakes and lost his rhythm to come home in 10th.

When the gates dropped for the MX2 qualifying heat race, many people had to squint as they tried to decipher the number of the rider that led. To the surprise of most it was Sahkar Racing’s Harri Kullas who took a massive holeshot and went on to lead the best part of the first few laps.

Chasing Kullas around turn one, Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe’s young star Jeremy Seewer, followed by the classes normal hot starter KTM Silver Actions Jose Butron and the champ Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Herlings.

With Kullas up front, the young Fin had the weight of the world on his shoulders and actually did a stellar job at holding off the train of stars that followed and even went as far as to pass Herlings back a couple of times while struggling to maintain the lead. Despite the enormous display of heart and effort, Kullas eventually dropped back but still rode amazing to come home in sixth.

Meanwhile when Herlings took over the lead on lap four, it was goodnight nurse to the rest of the competition, leaving the crowd hooked on the battle for second which not only welcomed a feud for second pick at the gate but also a fight of pride as three of MX2’s fastest Frenchmen duked it out.

It was a nail-biting race as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jordi Tixier only just managed to hold off CLS Kawasaki Monster Energy’s Dylan Ferrandis who was pushing mega hard all the way to the finish. Meanwhile, Wilvo Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre was also in the mix and came home in a close fourth.

Rounding out the top five with a very impressive performance, the promising young Swiss rider Jeremy Seewer wrapped up his best qualifying race finish of the season. Meanwhile, Aussie Luke Styke rode his KEMEA Yamaha to 13th ahead of race day.

Click here for detailed results