Some 235 riders from more than 26 countries registered to enter this third ADAC MX Masters meeting at MSC Mölln's Grambeker Heidering circuit, including reigning MX2 world champion Jeremy Seewer from Switzerland (22, Team Suzuki World MX2). And he lived up to his reputation as one of the world's best motocross riders by turning in a terrific performance in qualifying. "I really enjoyed it," was the first comment from the 22-year-old, who had set the bar extremely high with a best time of 1:45.770 minutes. In a departure from the norm, the Suzuki rider lined up in qualifying on a 450cc machine in order to gain some experience during the season of the larger bike, on which he will line up in 2018. "The track is very special and not exactly straightforward, but this was the perfect place for me to practise on the 450 Suzuki. The bike is a completely new prototype for this year, and taking it just now was very exciting. I felt very comfortable on it in practice, and my good result in qualifying confirms that," said Seewer.

The Belgian Jens Getteman (23, Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Arrow), who is currently second in the standings, was also in a similarly relaxed frame of mind, just like the Swiss MX talent. Getteman posted best time of 1:47.974 minutes in Group 2 and so can choose a place directly behind his Swiss rival at the starting grid on Sunday. "Qualifying was a real challenge, but on this extremely slippery, stony ground, it's not a matter of pushing but of picking out a good route. I'm very relieved today, as I'm not normally this strong in the quali. Still, I've been able to show I feel really good about myself at the moment. It would be great if things could go just as well in the points-scoring rounds, but at the same time, I don't want to worry too much about my standing in the championship, as I would then put too much pressure on myself. I'd rather be more relaxed in my approach," said the 23-year-old. The Belgian Cyril Genot (17, Falcon Motorsports, KTM) was impressive in third place.

In qualifying, local rider Davide von Zitzewitz (25, BVZ Racing Team, KTM) just missed securing a place at the starting gate for Race Sunday but then showed in the Last Chance Race that maybe he does belong to the elite on the international motocross scene. "I've done everything I can to improve my skills, and I'm happy that it worked out. Friends and family are all here and have been with me through thick and thin today, which has done me a power of good and ultimately helped me to become one of the 40 entrants in the Masters races," said von Zitzewitz, who lives in Hoisdorf near Hamburg.