The heat and the Turkish track, which has been hardened by the drought, will undoubtedly pose a physical challenge for all competitors.

MXGP of TÜRKİYE (AFYONKARAHISAR – Preview)

Jeffrey Herlings. The legendary Dutch rider arrives in Turkey with a 143-point lead, with just 180 points still up for grabs. He cannot clinch the title on Saturday, but if, after Race 1 on Sunday, he holds a lead of at least 145 points over Romain Febvre of the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, he will be able to celebrate his incredible sixth World Title. Even if it goes down to Race 2, a 120-point lead would be enough to secure this year’s gold medal. The battle for the MX2 title is much tighter, with Spain’s Guillem Farres in the lead, just 25 points ahead of Sacha Coenen of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, after just one race. The Belgian is under pressure from the Triumph Racing Factory Team, as Camden McLellan has claimed two of the last three GP victories, bringing him to within just 12 points of a one-two finish for the British manufacturer.