Just two fifth-place finishes after qualifying win: Simon Längenfelder searches for answers

The scenarios are all too familiar: Simon Längenfelder gets off to a good start to a Grand Prix weekend, wins the qualifying race, starts the main races from pole position, but is unable to find the pace needed to be right at the front again. That’s how it went in South Africa, Great Britain, the Czech Republic and, once again, last weekend in Sweden. Unfortunately, though, it’s the main races on Sunday that yield the most points.

Qualifying win offered hope

Simon got off to an excellent start in Sweden. In both races, he was among the leading group after the start, but it wasn’t enough for a podium finish, nor for a sustained improvement in the points table. On the contrary: Camden Mc Lellan (Triumph), who currently sits third in the standings, was even able to extend his lead over the German. The fact that Längenfelder’s deficit to the top was reduced by 9 points, from 70 to 61, was primarily down to the problems faced by World Championship leader Guillem Farres (Triumph), who suffered a heavy crash on Saturday and whose start on Sunday was in doubt. In the end, Längenfelder finished fifth on both days, securing sixth place in the Grand Prix standings.

Statement from Längenfelder

“It was another difficult weekend,” said Längenfelder after the race. “Things went really well in the qualifying race. I got off to a strong start and managed to win. I rode in a very controlled manner and chose my lines well. On Sunday, it was a different story. I lacked speed, even though I enjoyed the track and felt I’d ridden well. The lap times, however, told a different story. I’m not satisfied with 5th-5th; that doesn’t meet my standards. We’ll keep working and try to give our best on the sand.”