MXGP

The Teutschenthal circuit in Germany once again proved a really tough test for man and machine, with Team HRC’s fighting hard for his three-two results, giving him the second step on the podium and keeping him right in this 2024 MXGP Championship hunt.

After winning the qualification race yesterday, he had first gate-pick for the two motos today, but in vastly different conditions, he wasn’t quite able to get the starts he needed in either of the races. After there had been rain overnight and in the morning, the track was a lot heavier than yesterday and created much rougher conditions that the Slovenian wasn’t quite able to get to grips with for the majority of the first moto. He worked his way into second place but then had a tough period of the moto when he lost his rhythm and dropped down to fifth. However, like the five-time champion that he is, and knowing that every point is valuable, he fought until the very end to get back to third place as he crossed the finish line.

Working with the team to make sure that things went better in race two, he immediately looked more comfortable as he moved into third place early-on. Studying the two riders in front, he kept probing for possible passing spots on a track that was developing its traditional deep ruts on a large portion of the circuit. With just under two-thirds of the race completed he made an excellent pass on the rider in second and set his sights on the leader. Closing the gap down from 2.6 seconds to just 0.6, he looked poised to make the move, but he was forced to adapt his lines as he came into lapped traffic and had to concede a potential victory.

As it stands after eight rounds, he is just two points off the championship lead, and with 12 still to race, he is in a great position to add to his already impressive resumé. That opportunity continues next weekend in Latvia, and the sandy circuit of Kegums where Gajser has also enjoyed success in previous years.

MX2

It didn’t take long for Ferruccio Zanchi to put the disappointment of his points-streak coming to end in yesterday’s MX2 qualification race, by storming out of the gate in race one and placing himself firmly inside the top 10. The #73 then remained there for the entire moto, trying to get as high as sixth, before eventually crossing the line in eighth place.

It was a similar story in race two, with another good start on his Honda CRF250R giving him the chance to race with the top riders in the class. Once again, he stayed consistent for the entire moto, in what very were difficult conditions, receiving the chequered flag in eighth place. This was good enough to put him in eighth overall and brings him closer to the top 10 in the MX2 championship standings, an impressive feat given he missed three rounds through injury.

Tim Gajser 243 "It was a solid weekend of racing, winning the qualification race and then going three-two here. I’m a bit disappointed in the first race, getting arm-pump and not being able to push how I wanted but I was still third. And then race two, I was able to ride a lot better and was a lot closer to the lead but I couldn’t quite get close enough to make the pass. Still, the championship is very close and I am happy, and healthy and I’m looking forward to Latvia next weekend."

Ferruccio Zanchi 73 "Today was a much better day, riding consistently throughout in what were difficult conditions. Going eight-eight is a fair reflection of my speed and although I missed out on points in the qualification race, I am on a good run of form and each weekend is another chance to show everyone what I am capable of. And that starts in Latvia next weekend which will be a completely different challenge to this, as it is a lot softer and sandier but one that should be good."

Marcus Pereira de Freitas HRC General Manager - MXGP "The way Tim rode in that second moto is how we always believe he can ride, with positivity and great speed. Unfortunately, lappers were in the way at critical points so he couldn’t make any pass to get into the lead but it was still an impressive performance and a good way to head into Latvia. Ferruccio also put in a mature performance on a tricky track and continues to ride really well. He is a pleasure to work with and each weekend he raises the bar to what we expect from him."