Jeffrey Herlings: “We’re in positive shape”

It’s been a turbulent and injury-strewn couple of years for Jeffrey Herlings, but with a record 103 GP wins under his belt and 5 world MX titles, you would be a fool to count him out of contention for the 2024 MXGP title.  Can he stay injury free and can the “Fastest Man on the Planet” prove to be just that in 2024??

Interview by KTM – Images courtesy of KTM – Ray Archer

KTM fired a few questions into the Bullet as he looks ahead to the year…

Jeffrey, the record was a big, big achievement in 2023 but you had to reset again after the crash in Germany. Will it be a mistake for your rivals to count you out?

It’s hard to say what they think of me but I’m sure they know when I am fit then I’m capable of winning races and I’ve shown that consistently in the last fifteen years. I won four last year and had multiple podiums. When I’m fully fit and strong then I can win…even though it is easier said than done!

Any wishes for the latest version of the KTM 450 SX-F?

We’re testing some parts and going through some things now because in the second part of 2023 I was obviously off the bike, so I didn’t really have the chance. Right now, it is going good and I’m very happy with the bike. I was already happy last season, but I think now we are improving. We still have some things to look at. We’re in positive shape. We will only know how good we are once the races start but, based on how I feel at the moment, it’s shaping up nicely.

This is your 15th season with Red Bull KTM: a home from home?

Yeah! It’s crazy. Fifteen years with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and even the season before that I was on a KTM doing the European Championship. Fifteen years: I don’t know how many people or riders can say they have been so long with the same team! It’s pretty special. I’m really happy to be here this year and next year. I’m only 30 years old in 2025 so let’s see! I hope I can keep the partnership going. We’re happy and that’s good.