Honda World Motocross racer Evgeny Bobryshev had a short outing in today’s qualifying race, as a first turn collision damaged his race machine, and he was forced to retire after one lap at round 16 of the MX1 World Championship in Matterley Basin, UK.
Bobryshev has certainly been closer to his full potential recently, and has been looking forward to the British round of the championship, as the track has big jumps and sweeping turns that are suited to his riding style. Following rain this morning, the Russian, who is the sole competitor for the Honda World Motocross team with Max Nagl sidelined due to illness, took pole position with one flying lap in the dry pre-qualifying session.
A good start to the 20-minute plus two-lap moto saw Bobryshev head into the first turn in second position aboard his Dunlop-shod factory CRF450R, but the Russian collided with another rider, which damaged his front brake caliper.
Halfway around the opening lap the Russian lost the use of the front brake, and with the huge jumps along with heavy braking sections, Bobryshev was forced to make the decision to retire. With an outside gate position for tomorrow, the Honda racer’s fundamental goal is to get a good start and make strong progress in the opening laps at the hardpack British track.
Antonio Cairoli won the qualifying race.
Evgeny Bobryshev #777: DNF
“It’s always a nice race here with the track and the crowds. We made a few suspension adjustments in the early part of the day, and we’ve found a good setting. In pre-qualifying I did just one really good lap, and I got the pole position. I knew I could do better, as it wasn’t a perfect lap, but it was enough and I was happy, as it’s a long time since I had a pole. In the qualifying race I had a good jump to get second into the first turn, but I was sliding a bit and (Sebastien) Pourcel hit me. It broke the front brake hose and damaged the caliper, so I had no brakes in the front. It was too dangerous with the big jumps and hard braking to continue. So tomorrow I just have to go wide open from the outside; I don’t have another choice, and a good start from the outside will be critical. If I can get towards the front I know I can have a good race. I’m not 100% but it’s growing and I’m getting better, so it’s important to continue in the same way.”
Marcus Freitas: Honda World Motocross Chief Mechanic
“Pre-qualifying was good today, as Bobby had good speed, was taking nice lines and generally enjoying the track. It was good for him to take pole, and he was never outside of the top four in the session. The qualifying race was a bit unfortunate. He got a good jump and was second into the first turn, but he hit another rider. This damaged the brake hose and front brake caliper, so he had to stop, with it being such a fast track that has big jumps into the turns where you need to brake hard. Tomorrow he needs a good start and he will have to make some good moves on the first lap. The recent races have been good and we’ve had some suspension tests in the last few weeks, which have made even more improvements, so we hope for a good race.”