One of the biggest surprises of the season so far has been the form of young German racer Henry Jacobi in the MX2 class.
The STC Husqvarna rider beat Tim Gajser to the 2010 85cc World Junior Championship but was forced to sit out almost the entire following season after breaking both feet.
Since then it’s been a long road back as he’s struggled to re-establish himself. A lowly 20th in last year’s championship with a career-best moto finish of eighth, this season the 21-year-old has found his form and last time out at the MXGP of Trentino in Pietramurata scored a debut podium with third overall thanks to 2-10 finishes.
“I was surprised,” he said. “I saw Thomas [Kjer Olsen] was behind me and once I started gapping him a little he fought back. I made a mistake up the hill so he came through and then I started thinking it was okay to finish third or fourth – it would still be the best I ever did – but then I saw him doing mistakes and I thought why not pass him back.
“I was very emotional. Nobody was expecting that. It was unbelievable and it made it special because my family was there.”
After finishing 15th in yesterday’s qualification race he won’t get a great gate pick but if he can start near the front then expect him to be in contention for another podium.