Red Bull KTM rider Pauls Jonass completed a Red Bull KTM pole sweep on Saturday with an unchallenged run to first place with the 250 SX-F with team-mate Jorge Prado was close behind in second spot after both bikes entered the uphill left turn at the front of the pack.

Powering away from the gate with the same potent grunt of the SX-F Prado almost seized the first moto holeshot (missing out by centimetres) and held his teammate at bay for most of the swampy moto in the wake of a heavy shower of rain. Jonass used his superior Grand Prix experience to eventually snare second place behind the escaping Thomas Covington and gained more championship points for his tally over Jeremy Seewer (the Swiss down in fifth). Prado’s top three result was his first since a maiden GP victory in Italy for round five of the campaign.

Jonass attacked a drier second moto with gusto and passed leader Prado in the formative stages with the leading pack closer together. The Latvian was firmly in control and the subsequent chequered flag increased his formidable sheet of statistics further: 12 moto wins from 26, 6 triumphs and 11 podiums this season. He was also able to extend his championship cushion from 38 to 47 points over Seewer.

Prado hung on for sixth which gave the Spaniard a top five ranking in the Grand Prix list and his best classification since a decent weekend at the French round, where the rookie claimed sixth.

“I was feeling good all weekend. I didn’t get the best start in the first moto: the track was a bit muddy and it was difficult to make passes. I was struggling in the first laps and it was difficult to pass my teammate,” said Jonass.

“I ran out of tear-offs so it became even more difficult but I still managed to finish second. The second moto start was much better and I made the pass on Jorge quite quickly and could make a gap and control the race. The track was sketchy; slippy in some parts and with traction in others. I ended my season at this track last year and it was really disappointing. I think since that crash I have changed a lot mentally and with my riding style. I am a different rider now and it is a nice feeling to come back and win the overall.”