Tim Gajser took an incredible debut victory at the MXGP of Qatar this evening, winning both motos and setting the fastest lap in the second to highlight a dominant weekend.
The opening grand prix of the 2016 season was also the first for Gajser aboard the CRF450RW as the reigning MX2 World Champion graduated to the bigger bikes. The Slovenian has long favoured the 450cc machine for his training, and had expected to run well in MXGP this season, but even he was pleasantly surprised with the dominance of his form at the Losail track.
Throughout the weekend the #243 Honda Gariboldi machine was at the front of the timesheets: 3rd in free practice, fourth in timed practice, 2nd in the qualifying race completed by a duo of wins today. In doing so, he also becomes the youngest rookie to win an MXGP Grand Prix, turning just 19 in September last year.
It means that, going into the second round at Thailand this coming weekend, the MX2 World Champion starts his 2016 campaign by leading the MXGP World Championship.
Meanwhile in the MX2 category, Jorge Zaragoza’s race day started strongly too with a great start that saw him jump into third by turn one. Unfortunately a crash in turn two knocked the Spaniard to the back of the pack, but regrouping for race two he crossed the line in eleventh.
Tim Gajser, no.243
“Actually I didn’t expect this before this weekend! I expected to do well, but not to get my first 1-1 so I’m really happy about that. All weekend long I have been feeling so good here, and I was riding smart and with good lines and just felt comfortable, like I was riding in training. It’s the perfect way to start the season, and maybe a nice birthday present for my mother! I feel so well on the 450, and I’ve been feeling very relaxed and with no pressure before this weekend. I’ve been waiting all winter for this race, and it’s just amazing to start like this.”
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal
“Really, to win like this with big margins, was not what we expected. We knew that he rides the 450 very well and we expected top three from the beginning of the season, but to win with these margins and with his laptimes we couldn’t have dreamed it. It’s a fantastic start for us, for Tim and for Honda with all the work they’ve done this winter, and I think this shows it was certainly the right move for Tim to join MXGP at just 19 years old.”
For full results, visit hondaproracing.com