For 2015 and 2016 motocross world champion Tim Gajser the 2018 season has started with a big crash in a pre-season race that left him with a badly damaged jaw and no chance of racing in the opening Grand Prix of the season in Patagonia – Argentina.
Still not race fit after spending a couple of weeks in recovery the HRC rider turned up in Holland for round two and attacked the Valkenswaard circuit like he had never been injured. Ninth overall and just 20 points though wasn’t how he wanted to leave the eurocircuit.
“Actually, I was a little bit disappointed because Saturday I had good speed and the qualification race went well, so I was expecting a bit more from Sunday. I had two good starts but made quite a few mistakes that cost me a lot of time but I’m happy that finished both races – and that I didn’t get hurt. We did some important laps, so I was just looking forward to Spain.”
With better weather and more time riding his bike the Slovenian went to Redsand in Spain and was quickly comfortable with the technical and rough circuit.
“I am so happy to get the qualification race win. It means a lot to me, because it was a really special day for my family, because it’s the 24th of March, and I dedicate this race to my brother. I hoped Sunday I could win, get a good start. The speed is there, and I just want to do a good race. I really like the track. It is really fast with good jumps. I like fast tracks with big jumps. The start was the key, I could do good laps’ times and I was riding clean. I was enjoying a lot on Saturday and I had hoped to do the same on Sunday.”
Sunday wasn’t as tough as Valkenswaard, but it still wasn’t what he had hoped for. Still a sixth overall and 28 points gives him some confidence going to round four in Italy, a circuit that he won his first ever Grand Prix.
“I would say today was not so bad. It has definitely been an improvement from Valkenswaard, the riding was better and so was the feeling, although obviously we’re still not where we’d like to be – but we take this sixth place. I want to thank the team because the bike was amazing, now it’s up to me to work hard to get back to the level I know I can ride at. I think together we can soon get some great results. Now I look forward to Pietramurata, where I’m sure there’ll be a lot of support from my home fans – who always get there in great numbers.”
So now onto Pietramurata, and another chapter in the former MXGP champions climb back to the top of the class
For 2015 and 2016 motocross world champion Tim Gajser the 2018 season has started with a big crash in a pre-season race that left him with a badly damaged jaw and no chance of racing in the opening Grand Prix of the season in Patagonia – Argentina.
Still not race fit after spending a couple of weeks in recovery the HRC rider turned up in Holland for round two and attacked the Valkenswaard circuit like he had never been injured. Ninth overall and just 20 points though wasn’t how he wanted to leave the eurocircuit.
“Actually, I was a little bit disappointed because Saturday I had good speed and the qualification race went well, so I was expecting a bit more from Sunday. I had two good starts but made quite a few mistakes that cost me a lot of time but I’m happy that finished both races – and that I didn’t get hurt. We did some important laps, so I was just looking forward to Spain.”
With better weather and more time riding his bike the Slovenian went to Redsand in Spain and was quickly comfortable with the technical and rough circuit.
“I am so happy to get the qualification race win. It means a lot to me, because it was a really special day for my family, because it’s the 24th of March, and I dedicate this race to my brother. I hoped Sunday I could win, get a good start. The speed is there, and I just want to do a good race. I really like the track. It is really fast with good jumps. I like fast tracks with big jumps. The start was the key, I could do good laps’ times and I was riding clean. I was enjoying a lot on Saturday and I had hoped to do the same on Sunday.”
Sunday wasn’t as tough as Valkenswaard, but it still wasn’t what he had hoped for. Still a sixth overall and 28 points gives him some confidence going to round four in Italy, a circuit that he won his first ever Grand Prix.
“I would say today was not so bad. It has definitely been an improvement from Valkenswaard, the riding was better and so was the feeling, although obviously we’re still not where we’d like to be – but we take this sixth place. I want to thank the team because the bike was amazing, now it’s up to me to work hard to get back to the level I know I can ride at. I think together we can soon get some great results. Now I look forward to Pietramurata, where I’m sure there’ll be a lot of support from my home fans – who always get there in great numbers.”
So now onto Pietramurata, and another chapter in the former MXGP champions climb back to the top of the class