Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings will be back on-track at the MXGP of Finland this weekend, set to return from a fractured C5 vertebra he sustained earlier this year.

The 28-year-old Dutchman crashed while leading the first moto of the MXGP of Germany, and despite a gutsy effort to remount and complete the bout in 20th, he was forced to the sidelines ahead of the Indonesian rounds.

Prior to his absence, Herlings won four GPs this year and was on the MXGP podium six times while in firm contention for a sixth world title. Prioritising his recovery instead of rushing a comeback, he now returns for the 14th round of the 2023 season this weekend at Vantaa.

“Once I knew the problem with my neck and back was going to need time and I’d sit out races then my only focus was to heal 100 percent before I came near the bike again,” said Herlings. “I know the physical and the mental cost of setbacks like this and I was determined to follow the doctor’s advice.

“If I couldn’t have the title this year then I wanted my health. I’m still in good shape so I hope it won’t take too long to get back at the front.”

Competing in just nine rounds of the current season so far, Herlings is tied on the most number of round wins to date in 2023 with Romain Febvre (Kawasaki), while Jorge Prado (Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing) leads the title race ahead of Finland.