Tim Gajser | Photo credits: HRC
Team HRC’s Tim Gajser managed to secure his best result of what is already a championship-leading season as he claimed one-two races results to take the MXGP of Europe overall.
The third event in succession at the Mantova sand-track saw the Slovenian rider making a good start in both races. Gajser delivered a stellar performance to not only secure victory but also extend his red-plate margin to over 10 points. Teammate Mitch Evans also put in his joint-best results of the year to go four-eight for fifth overall. He now moves to within striking distance of the top 10 in this competitive MXGP class.
Team HRC will now head to the Spanish capital of Madrid for what is a new venue near the into Xanadú-Arroyomolinos shopping complex. While no riders have ridden there yet, it is believed to be hard-pack terrain which should suit the Honda duo. The team has a few days to get ready for the racing on Sunday 11th October.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be back on the top step of the podium. I’ve won many motos this year but never an overall. So I’m super happy to have been able to have done that at this round in Mantova. The races were nice, although I did get a little arm-pump towards the end of the first race which made it a little closer than I’d have liked but I still won. So that was good.”
“Then in the second race, I had another good start and passed for the lead almost immediately. Unfortunately, I fell in the middle of the race and dropped back to second. I pushed hard to get the lead back but ended up second for first overall. A big thanks to everyone at Team HRC who have supported me this year and who have kept pushing me towards this goal. Next up is Spain and I can’t wait!”
Today was a good day and a bit of a disappointing day too. In the first moto, I got a good start, made a few passes and was in third for most of the race. I ended up fourth but it was still a good moto and I enjoyed running with the top guys. In moto two I didn’t get the best jump which made things difficult because it was still hard to pass. But I got back to eighth for fifth overall. This was the same as in Matterley Basin at the first GP of the year, so I’m pleased with that. I did really want that podium today but it didn’t quite happen but there are still seven more rounds to get it done. That’s what I’m focusing on when we head to Spain.