The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina is really starting to get a nice piece of history with the Motocross World Championship series. Having arrived on the calendar for the first time in 2015, this magnificent facility quickly brought smiles to everyone’s faces. It is not only a stunning circuit, but also the area was something that we quickly enjoyed as the local people welcomed us with open arms and big smiles.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Jeremy Seewer struggled somewhat last year, but still enjoyed the experience and as always, the friendly rider from Switzerland can’t wait to get back to Argentina and build on the relationships he made in 2022.
“I felt good on the track there,” Seewer said in 2022. “It was cool to race in front of all the Argentine fans. They were super supportive and to have the fans back after the last couple of years, you really felt it. The energy and atmosphere was really special.”
Defending MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser, who took the victory in 2022, like Seewer, really loves the environment in Argentina and the nature of the people and their culture. The Team HRC man wants to start his season in the same fashion as last year and head towards that sixth Motocross World Championship victory.
“This is such a nice place and track,” Gajser said. “I am very pleased that so many fans came out to support us. I hope we continue to come back here because it is an amazing event for everyone. A big thanks to the team for all their support on what is a really long trip down here to Argentina.”
Another five-time Motocross World Champion, Jeffrey Herlings, will be making his return to Grand Prix racing after missing the complete 2022 season. The Dutchman has many good memories of Patagonia, including a stunning victory against Antonio Cairoli in 2018. Herlings would go on to dominate that season. Let’s see what the season opener will bring him in 2023.
“Obviously I love the track,” Herlings said. “I also had some bad luck, won a race in 2015 and Pauls Jonass landed on me in the other race, 2016 I won and 2017 was one of the worst races ever. I like the fans there and the track and I like starting the season outside of Europe. It is a nice calm start to the season. It’s going to be a long season. I want to be there for the long run, for the championship. I will try and be consistent in Argentina, and of course it would be nice to win, but to get the championship, you need to get on the podium or top five. If I come out of Argentina with a top five it will be way better.”
Now, with a little over a month before we all head to Argentina, track builder Greg Atkins is working hard to make sure that something new greets the riders and for sure, with temperatures around 30 degrees this time of year in the area, everyone in the paddock will finally get some warmth after a long cold winter in Europe.
Photo credit: Bavo Swijgers
Author: Geoff Meyer
