Team HRC’s Tim Gasjer has just become the first Honda rider to win the MXGP class at one of the most challenging races in Lommel, Belgium. Tim Gasjer triumphed in the Belgian Grand Prix with his Honda CRF450RW coming in second place in both races. He is now ranked ninth overall of the season. Teammate Brian Bogers, on the other hand, capped his run at 15th place to maintain 13th overall.
The riders will be taking on Gachnang in Switzerland on August 18th.
“It was a great weekend, finishing two-two for first overall in Lommel. My riding was good, especially because in the past I’ve struggled here. We’ve worked hard this year with the team and it really paid off. We’ve prepared a lot better for these tough conditions. It was certainly helped by two good starts, just like we have done so often this year. I wasn’t able to win a moto but I rode smoothly and smart and I minimised any mistakes. I’m just so happy to win here in Lommel because it is a special GP. A good test and just shows how much I’ve progressed as a rider,” says Tim Gasjer as quoted from Honda Racing Corporation.
Tim Gasjer wins in Lommel | Photo credits: Honda Racing Corporation
“I felt good on the track as it was really deep sand and I like these conditions. My riding also went well, I just struggled out of the gate and that put me behind. Unfortunately, I crashed in the first moto when I’d made my way all the way back to 12th. That pushed me outside the top 20 again. I worked my back to 15th, which isn’t bad but I really wanted to get a good start and battle with the top guys as I feel on this track it is possible. Second moto was very similar, starting around 19th but I made my way up to ninth and finished there. Fifteen and nine isn’t bad but I wanted more, so I’m going to put this behind me and concentrate on Imola now.”
Tim Gasjer | Photo credits: Honda Racing Corporation
“We know in previous years that Tim hasn’t enjoyed riding here. So for him to come out and get the overall victory is just another really impressive achievement in a season filled with impressive achievements. He has worked really hard on his sand riding all winter and it showed because he really looked comfortable out there. We certainly weren’t expecting this because of the championship situation where he doesn’t need to push. However we are delighted and now we can head to Imola in a really, really strong position. Hopefully we’ll have a big celebration there.”
“Brian had to pass a lot of riders in his races, so he made life difficult for himself but he never gave up and he kept trying until the end. He probably deserved better than 13th overall. Especially with the ninth in race two but we will keep on working for these final three rounds.”
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