After a stunning debut MXGP victory in Qatar last weekend, Tim Gajser and the Honda Gariboldi team will be back in action again this weekend, at the brand new venue of SuphanBuri Motosport Land.
The fourth running of the MXGP of Thailand promises a whole week of action on- and off-track, with the Suphan Buri Rock Concert, which runs from 1-6 March, and supporting acts of flat track races, a carnival and the ThaiMXGP Fair over the race weekend.
The province of Suphan Buri lies to the north west of Bangkok, and the new track has echoes of the Sri Racha venue last used in 2014, just with fewer stones. Last year, Tim Gajser scored a pair of third place finishes in the MX2 class, in the qualifying race and race one.
As both the temperature and the humidity soared, Gajser was one of a number of riders to fall foul of the conditions and was prevented from competing in race two because he’d been administered IV fluids after race one to recuperate.
The weather will once again be a factor this season, with the temperature soaring to 37 degrees Celsius and with humidity approaching 50 per cent. Don’t expect the see riders without a bottle of water in their hand when off the bike.
Jorge Zaragoza will take part in his first MXGP of Thailand with the Honda Gariboldi squad, having missed the race last year whilst continuing his recovery from pre-season injury. Although he did make the trip to Thailand, he was there to spectate rather than ride.
Tim Gajser, no.243
“Honestly I didn’t expect such a good weekend in Qatar, so it was a great way to start the season. Now we have a few days of rest with just some swimming and relaxing in Thailand. I’m looking forward to this new track. I haven’t seen it yet, but it’s new for everyone. Last year I couldn’t race in the second race, even though I felt fine and wanted to, so this year I’ll make sure I drink even more water!”
Jorge Zaragoza, no.101
“I’m looking forward to going to Thailand. I was there last year but didn’t race, so I can’t wait this time to be on the bike. Qatar was quite tough, but the track’s new for everyone this weekend so we keep pushing and doing our best and we’ll see where we are on Saturday.”
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal
“Our start to this season has been more fantastic than we could have dreamed, but it doesn’t change anything for our approach – we stay with no pressure and very relaxed as a whole team. In Thailand it’s new for everyone, but I think again the track should suit Tim on the 450. We’ve now all seen what we knew he can do on the bike, but there’s no expectation or pressure on this weekend. I’m also glad that Jorge can join us this year in Thailand on the 250 to continue time on the bike as we hope he can get stronger each weekend.”
