Impressions, insights and intel from round five of Pro Motocross – a pleasant day of on-track action in the sand of Southwick.

There was one blip in Jett's jaunt

Jett Lawrence is unstoppable – his starts, lap times and sector times paint a dominant picture. While the fixtures that lie ahead remain blank canvases, doubting him would be as misguided as questioning both Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart at their peaks.

Lawrence was the fastest in both motos and topped all sectors but one in moto one and all but two in moto two. There was one blip – sector three eluded him twice. The area of the track encompassed turns four to seven; HRC stablemate Hunter Lawrence went three tenths quicker in moto one and Jett was only fourth-fastest in moto two (Eli Tomac, Jorge Prado and Hunter found more effective paths). To nitpick and underline the loss of a sector is ludicrous but speaks to the sheer brilliance of Jett and the impossible bar that defines a successful day.

Verdict: Utterly brilliant – a talent that will define an era.

Image: Michael Lindsay

Hunter underlines HRC's prowess

Hunter Lawrence's steps towards the front have been so measured that the advancements can be overlooked. It is staggering to consider that he can beat Tomac in a straight-up duel.

Jett is a phenomenal talent – one that would win in any color – but the manner in which Honda HRC Progressive has transformed Hunter into a consistent threat speaks to the structure that helps Jett perform so brilliantly. There is a lot to be said for stability and familiarity. It is actually rare for elite athletes in motorsport to switch teams as much as Chase Sexton or even Eli Tomac now – having a base that has been established across five seasons or more can have untold benefits. Those could help Lawrence become a clear number two in 450SMX.

Verdict: Jett's brilliance unjustly overshadows Hunter/HRC.

The sand belongs to HRC's stars

Southwick is hardly comparable to Lommel, Arnhem, Valkenswaard or other staples in Benelux. Still, the MXGP riders can make a difference.

Mikkel Haarup impressed in his push to the front in 250MX moto two (four passes in just three laps), Cornelius Tondel ran closer to the front than he ever has in MXGP and Valentin Guillod had one of his best sand races ever (dead last to 16th in moto one). It is in the lower half of the top ten and beyond that the imports can use experience to elevate themselves. Arguably, a skill gap akin to this would only exist if these riders were placed in supercross for the first time.

Verdict: Europeans know that Southwick poses an opportunity.

Jorge's small progress meaningless

Kawasaki made small improvements that helped Prado return to 450MX's top five, but he reminded everyone of how dire his situation is.

Jorge's adamant that he made the difference – making use of the sand skills referenced above – and that his bursts of speed (the second-fastest lap of moto two) are not representative of improved comfort aboard his KX450. The sixth round, RedBud, will be a true test that is magnified by a plethora of track knowledge, but it seems unlikely that he will be as effective or can dream of a win in this calendar year. A bigger question is whether this duo can make it the three years defined in their contract.

Verdict: A lot of watering needed to make this grass greener.

Image: Michael Lindsay

Persistent Tom rumors hint at 'phoning home'

Tom Vialle seemed destined to debut in 450F competition in KTM colors, thanks to his second supercross crown. Persistent rumors hint that he could take the path less travelled.

The first rumors that he could return to MXGP with Honda HRC surfaced on Friday – I dismissed them almost immediately. Now, however, the reports have pulled in traction to the point where there could be some truth behind it. It makes sense; reports state that his KTM offer was not as lucrative as one would expect, being launched into the 450SMX class is a complete unknown and the dynamic at KTM will be altered with the loss of his 'wingman' in Chase Sexton. There is little doubt that his earning potential is far larger in grand prix.

Verdict: An unexpected scenario that makes a lot of sense…

Haiden's history shows poorer second halves

There is little need for Haiden Deegan to fret about retaining his 250MX crown – his 52-point advantage ensures that he does not need to ride at his maximum from now on. History suggests that he is aware of that.

In the two Pro Motocross seasons that he has completed, a majority of his 'hard work' has been done in the first half. Glance at his championship-winning term and he won four of the first five, just like this year, but then just once from the sixth round on. Could a similar approach appear in weeks to come and should the sport anticipate that – acknowledging his measured approach rather than questioning whether he is as effective as he was to start with?

Verdict: Destined for his second title, regardless of win total.