This weekend, we’re heading to Afyonkarahisar for the MXGP of Türkiye, the fifth round of the WMX World Championship. Last year, Daniela Guillen won ahead of Courtney Duncan and Kiara Fontanesi. Lotte van Drunen secured the WMX World Championship title with fifth place. This year, it will be completely different.
Track overview: one of the best track ?
The Afyonkarahisar motocross track is one of the most popular among riders of all categories. For several years, it has hosted the final of the WMX World Championship. This year, the final will take place in Australia, and this round could be decisive. At 1,725 meters long, the riders are back on hardpack after the sand of Arnhem.
Weather forecast: a weekend without rain?
The drivers arrived in the Turkish heat with temperatures above 30°C. The temperature is expected to be cooler tomorrow (26°) and rain is forecast for the end of the day, which should not disrupt Saturday. On Sunday morning, the temperature will be below 20° for the second race, hoping that yesterday’s rain does not disrupt the proceedings.
Championship leaders and key contenders
Following Lynn Valk’s injury, three drivers remain in the title battle in the final two rounds. Lotte van Drunen now has a 20-point lead over Kiara Fontanesi and a 21-point lead over Daniela Guillen. The Spaniard is in great form after a victory in the Netherlands. Kiara Fontanesi will be formidable on this track and in Australia as well. The Italian has experience at the end of championship races. The Dutchwoman, the reigning world champion, cannot calculate and must secure a podium finish in Turkey to maintain her points lead before the final.
Shana van der Vlist is alone in fourth place in the championship, but she didn’t yet know if she would be in Australia. Fifth place is up for grabs with Amandine Verstappen, Larissa Papenmeier, and Danée Gelissen. Martine Hughes and April Franzoni are in the top 10 and want to hold on to their positions.
We expect confirmation from Lucy Barker this weekend. The fast, three-time European champion continues to enjoy her best GP in the Netherlands. Behind her are numerous riders looking to secure a good place in their final GP of the season. Sara Andersen has ended her World Championship season, as have Elena Kapsamer, Fiona Hoppe, Elsa Andersson Löf and others. With 22 riders entered, the battle for points promises to be an interesting one.
