Tim Gajser took his third consecutive qualifying race victory of 2016 in Latvia today, hunting down Antonio Cairoli to make his moves in the closing stages and never look back.
As the 19-year-old Slovenian settled into second from the start, he rode a smart race behind Cairoli, picking out some lines that will undoubtedly help him in tomorrow’s two races.
It wasn’t so fruitful for the Honda Gariboldi Racing team over in MX2, as while David Herbreteau got his second MX2 grand prix aboard the CRF250R underway by climbing to 18th in qualifying, Jorge Zaragoza was running in 14th when he and another rider came together in mid-air. Lucky to escape without injury, the impact forced him to retire from the race, so he will start from 34th tomorrow.
Surprisingly though, the forecast rain and cold weather held off and the Kegums track was bathed in sun all day. More of the same is forecast for tomorrow’s two races, although as expected the track is already starting to get more rutted and technical.
Tim Gajser, no.243
“That was a good race and I’m very pleased with today. I was following Antonio and I could see that he was riding always inside lines so it was not easy to pass, so I started trying different lines behind him. I lost time with some but then caught back up again, always trying something new, so I waited until I saw a good opportunity in the waves and made my move. I think I found some good lines today which will help me in the races tomorrow for sure.”
David Herbreteau, no.338
“Today was an ok day, but I think we can hope for more tomorrow. Especially if the track gets more rutted and technical tomorrow in the races I think I can have more speed and make more time, which will help us get nearer the top ten because the field is very strong here. But I’m feeling good, the track is nice and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Jorge Zaragoza, no.101
“I’m disappointed with today. I was feeling good so it’s a shame. Pootjes jumped and came from right to left and hit me in the air, so it was a big crash. I’m lucky to be ok, and I’m thankful for that. We must now just focus on tomorrow and try and come back from the start.”
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal
“Tim is learning every time he’s on the bike and showing something new. He rode a very clever race, following Antonio (Cairoli), watching his lines, and then making his move. With races like this, he is showing he is a 19-year-old riding with a much older head. In MX2, unfortunately Jorge crashed when a rider crashed in front of him on a jump and he couldn’t avoid the incident, so he couldn’t finish the race. David has not raced in the last month so tomorrow, with his second MX2 qualifying race on the CRF now under his belt, we’re confident he can improve upon his position from today.”