Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin has secured his first GP victory of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, claiming an emphatic opening moto win and securing a runner-up result in moto two at the MXGP of Europe in The Netherlands.

With the sixth round of the world championships taking place at the iconic sandy track of Valkenswaard, Paulin started the GP claiming a strong third place result in the qualifying race. Getting a perfect start on his FC 450 in the opening MXGP moto, the Frenchman retained the lead from start to finish to celebrate his first moto victory aboard Husqvarna machinery.

Well-placed inside the top five at the start of moto two, Gautier showed his determination to battle for the overall victory. Making some crucial passes he managed to cross the finish line as a runner-up behind KTM’s Antonio Cairoli. Completing a well-calculated GP the Frenchman gained two spots in the MXGP championship standings, where he’s now placed third behind Honda’s Tim Gajser and Cairoli.

“It’s been an amazing GP,” said Paulin.

“We started off with a good pace in qualifying. I was feeling good on the bike ever since I stepped foot on this track, so I was very positive of some good results. We had a perfect opening moto. I got a clear holeshot and managed to successfully defend my lead until the finish line. Despite not getting the best of starts in moto two, I stayed focused on the goal of winning the overall.

“I kept pushing and as soon as I saw other riders suffering physically I gave one last push for the overall victory. I honestly have no words to thank my Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team for all their hard work and dedication. This victory has given us a big confidence boost for the races to come.”

Results – FIM Motocross World Championship, Round 6

MXGP – Overall

1. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 47pts; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 40; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (Yamaha) 38.

MXGP – Race 1

1. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 18 laps, 35:24.915; 2. Jeremy Van Horebeek (Yamaha) 35:25.865; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 35:29.739.

MXGP – Race 2

1. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 18 laps, 35:26.367; 2. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 35:28.625; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 35:28.984.

MX2 – Overall

1. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 50; 2. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 40; 3. Brent Van doninck (Yamaha) 36.

MX2 – Race 1

1. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 18 laps, 35:37.548; 2. Julien Lieber (KTM) 35:41.024; 3. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 36:14.476.

MX2 – Race 2

1. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 17 laps, 34:09.329; 2. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 34:13.820; 3. Brent Van doninck (Yamaha) 34:18.839.

Championship Standings (After Round 6)

MXGP

1. Tim Gajser (Honda) 234pts; 2. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 220; 3. Gautier Paulin (Husqvarna) 192.

MX2

1. Pauls Jonass (KTM) 242pts; 2. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 223 points; 3. Julien Lieber (KTM) 197.