Jasikonis 2nd for Suzuki World MXGP in Italian Qualifier

Arminas Jasikonis led from the front for the Suzuki World MXGP team at the MXGP of Italy in Ottobiano this afternoon. The RM-Z450WS-mounted rider got a good start before working his way to the front of the field, where he stayed for the majority of the moto before eventually settling for second place. Before him, Jeremy Seewer and Bas Vaessen both placed inside the top 10 in the MX2 qualification race in what was a scorching day in the sun for all the riders. Jasikonis had this to say about his performance: “It was a really good day today. Another a really good result, the best so far, although it was in qualification. My start was great, I made a nice first turn and came out in fourth place. I then made a couple of passes on the first lap and got to second, where I stayed behind Max Nagl for quite a lot of the race. It wasn’t that it was hard to pass, I just wanted to save some energy for the end of the moto and that’s what happened; I got round him and made a little gap at the front of the field. That’s the way it stayed until almost the last lap when Antonio Cairoli came and passed me. I was quite tired at that stage and couldn’t fight back but I’m happy with how I rode. It was a good result and I have second-gate pick. I’m really excited for tomorrow, I just hope that it won’t be quite as hot but it will be the same for everyone. I had the speed to win, that’s not a problem, I just need to work a little on my physical side so I can keep pushing all the way until the end.” With Kevin Strijbos scheduled to return at the next round in Portugal, Jasikonis will give his RM-Z450WS second-gate pick for the races, where he will be hoping to improve upon his career best finish of seventh. Seewer was the top placing Suzuki rider in the MX2 class despite some early race incidents which made him have to come through the pack. However, with good starts tomorrow, he definitely stands a good chance of taking the overall and closing the gap at the top of the championship. “It was quite warm for everyone today so that I think that will be the main thing for this weekend”, said Seewer. “Who survives the heat, who recovers the best between the motos and who can go for 30 minutes twice in a day will be critical.“I felt good immediately on the track; the first couple of laps were really good in practice which was surprising as these aren’t typically the tracks I like. I prefer the natural tracks, with hills and valleys; those kind of tracks but I’ve been here a lot practicing in the winter time the last five years and I’ve got to know it quite well. I was one of the fastest today, but I had some bad luck on the first lap when one guy crashed right in front of me. It wasn’t a big crash for me but I lost a lot of positions and had to start from right at the back. I had to work hard to get a good position on the gate, which is quite important here as it is a 180 degree left turn, but with sixth position its ok and I think it will be good enough for the motos. Now I just have to get a good night’s sleep in this heat and recover for tomorrow’s races.” A couple of positions behind was Vaessen who is consistently putting his RM-Z250 inside the top 10 now. “The whole day started a little bit average really. Free and timed practice didn’t go well, I couldn’t find any rhythm or anything but I recovered for the qualifying race which actually went well. I got a good start and then made a couple of passes on the first lap and stayed there. Towards the end of the race I was just trying to focus on myself and my laptimes and some people in front of me crashed and I really didn’t want to do that so I came home in eighth place. Tomorrow will be gnarly with the heat, it will be a real war but we all have to deal with it so may the fittest win.” Unfortunately, Hunter Lawrence (compressed vertebrae) and Zach Pichon (trapezius) weren’t in attendance as they recover from their respective injuries, but the three Suzuki World riders that are in Ottobiano are all feeling good heading into tomorrow’s races where the temperatures will continue to provide a real challenge for everyone. MXGP Qualifying Times: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 24:22.997; 2. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Suzuki World MXGP), +0:03.241; 3. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:07.401; 4. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:13.745; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:16.354; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:21.994; 7. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:22.190; 8. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:26.537; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:34.928; 10. Jordi Tixier (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:36.480. 
MX2 Qualifying Results: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 24:34.827; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:05.390; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:11.132; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, KTM), +0:14.098; 5. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.607; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki World MX2), +0:24.125; 7. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:27.022; 8. Bas Vaessen (NED, Suzuki World MX2), +0:32.958; 9. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:41.950; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:45.801.