Honda World Motocross racer Evgeny Bobryshev put on a strong performance to take third position overall in today’s Czech Republic Grand Prix, despite the difficult, changeable conditions at the Loket track for round 14 of the MX1 World Championship.
With teammate Max Nagl out of proceedings due to contracting the Epstein-Barr virus, Bobryshev was the sole contender for the Honda World Motocross team this weekend. After qualifying fifth yesterday, Bobryshev got a decent start in the opening race, and tussled with the leading riders in the first few turns with some strong, aggressive riding, before settling into fifth position.
The Honda pilot lost a place to Antonio Cairoli mid-moto, but a stormy rain shower made the track like an ice rink, and Bobryshev benefited from fourth-placed Jeremy van Horebeek’s crash on the slick ground six laps from the end of the 35-minute plus two-lap moto. Bobryshev did crash himself and lost his goggles soon after, as the slippery conditions made the ultra-hardpack, stoney track difficult to navigate, but the Russian racer managed to get back on-board without losing a position and safely brought his Dunlop-shod CRF450R home in fifth position.
In race two Bobryshev got a storming start and led the field into the first turn. He lost a position in the second corner to eventual Grand Prix winner Clement Desalle, and dropped to fourth on lap three as van Horebeek and Ken de Dycker made a hard charge. The Honda racer fought back with some smart moves, and settled into third place by the following lap with his smooth and confident riding, despite it being a track he doesn’t particularly like.
De Dycker dropped back somewhat, and tried to make up the deficit mid-moto, but Bobryshev was able to respond in the drier, but cooler conditions and brought his machine home in third to take third overall for a podium finish, which has been long-awaited following injury earlier in the season.
The Honda World Motocross team would like to congratulate Aleksandr Tonkov and the ESTA Motorsports Honda team on their maiden MX2 podium in third position today.
Evgeny Bobryshev #777: 3rd overall
“I have to say I was pleased it was cooler today, as I know the heat is my weak point, but the conditions helped me in the races. We found a good setting yesterday, and I had a good jump from the start in the first race. I was fighting with the front guys, but it’s difficult to be aggressive here, as the bike slides around so much. I kept the fifth place until the end, despite crashing, because the rain came and made it so easy for the front end to wash out. I had a few moments, and there was no easy line after the rain, so it was important to be careful with the throttle. In the second race I got another good start; I was fighting with Ken (de Dycker) in the beginning, and he made some aggressive moves, but I managed to get the place back. I knew the gap was quite big to him from the middle of the race, so I was really careful not to make any mistakes, and I could respond when he put the pressure on. It’s really not my kind of track, so I am very happy to be on the podium. We still have some steps to make to improve my speed in the beginning of the race, as everyone settles down in the middle of the moto, but I need to find the speed in the first few laps. I am happy with the riding, and I have to say thanks to all of the team, the sponsors, and the Japanese staff we have here this weekend, because it is such a big team effort to achieve this; it’s been a long journey back from injury with the set-backs, but all of this has made me stronger.”
Paolo Martin: Honda World Motocross Team Owner
“On Saturday we could see that Bobby had a good feeling with the ground, and after some adjusments we found a good setting. We also have to say a big thanks to our team doctor Giuseppe, as he has worked very hard to help Bobby’s condition, particularly since Germany, and we can see he is better in the mind and body this week, with a lot more power to finish in a good way. Bobby also rode with his heart today, which was especially good, as we have a lot of guests here this weekend, and we are very happy with the result. I now feel Bobby has finally made the recovery from injury, as after missing three months testing on the bike and training, it is coming back together. We’ve got some more days testing this week to try some new suspension settings, and this could help him further for the next race, so it is positive. On the other side with Max we have to wait for further medical analysis to see when it might be possible for him to race, but we should know more about this tomorrow.”