Jeffrey Herlings spoke not only about his victory at the MXGP of Portugal. 117th Grand Prix victory. At the press conference, the Honda rider was also asked about his switch from KTM to Honda – and explained unusually openly why he had decided to make a fresh start after so many years.
The Dutchman made it clear that his decision was not due to a lack of confidence in KTM.
No goodbye because of the motorcycle
For many years, Herlings was closely associated with KTM. He celebrated numerous Grand Prix victories and world championship titles with the Austrian brand. His switch to Honda therefore came as a surprise to many observers.
Herlings firmly denied that the motorcycle was the reason. "The KTM is a really good motorcycle."
As proof, he cited the brand's numerous successes. Whether Antonio Cairoli, Jorge Prado, or Lucas Coenen – in his view, KTM had repeatedly proven in recent years that its equipment was competitive. Simon Längenfelder also won the MX2 World Championship title on a KTM last year.
Changes in the team
Herlings believed the real reason lay elsewhere. In his estimation, the environment within the team had changed increasingly in recent years. "More and more good people have left the team."
Especially in top-level sports, it is often the people behind the scenes who make the difference. For Herlings, therefore, not only the motorcycle itself played a role, but also the structure with which things are done on a daily basis.
He felt that the environment in which he had been successful for many years was changing step by step.
The right time
Furthermore, Herlings didn't want to postpone the change any longer. Now almost 32, he was aware that the opportunity for a fresh start wouldn't come around indefinitely. "If I wanted to change things again, I had to do it now."
This consideration ultimately tipped the scales. Not because he was dissatisfied with his current situation, but because he wanted to start a new chapter.
New people, new ideas
At Honda, Herlings found exactly what he was looking for. He describes the move less as a technological advancement and more as a change in the entire work environment. "It's simply a new group of people and a new adventure."
Herlings declined to answer whether the Honda was fundamentally better than his previous KTM. "Both motorcycles are good," he said. For him, it was more about the overall package. New workflows, different approaches, and fresh impetus had given him renewed motivation.
His success proves him right.
That the decision was the right one is now also evident on the track. With his victory in Portugal, Herlings increased his record to 117 Grand Prix victories. Already in his first season with Honda, the Dutchman is regularly among the contenders for victory.
At the same time, he made it clear that he doesn't intend to rest on his laurels. The season is only half over, and his focus is on winning more races and securing as many podium finishes as possible.
For Jeffrey Herlings, the move to Honda was therefore far more than just a change of brand. It was a conscious decision for a new environment – and so far, this step seems to have unleashed new energy.