This weekend’s MXGP of Czech Republic, held at the Loket track, represents a return to racing after the Championship’s summer break of three weeks.
Both Tim Gajser and Jorge Zaragoza will again line up behind the gate on the CRF450RW and CRF250RW respectively, whilst David Herbreteau continues to be sidelined after damaging his ankle in Spain at the end of May.
Last year Gajser took second in race two but crashed from fifth in race one, and spectacularly saved his huge moment at the top of the hill in front of the pit lane, defying physics to remain on two wheels.
This year, the Slovenian heads the World Championship standings by 92 points with six rounds remaining, whilst Honda also top the Manufacturers’ classification by 58 points.
Situated in the very west of the Czech Republic, the 1586m Loket track sees a return to the hard pack surface before the deep sand of Lommel next weekend. The MXGP of Czech Republic is also the first in a triple back-to-back that takes MXGP from Loket to Lommel and on to Switzerland, before the final trio of races that rounds out the season.
Jorge Zaragoza has also utilised the summer break to recharge and regroup, and the Spaniard will be looking to kick-start a stronger second half of this season aboard the CRF250RW.
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal
“We are not used to such a long break from racing, but actually it’s still been very busy because the team have been in the workshop the whole time, working hard for these last six races. These next three GPs in a row are very, very important because they will decide everything for the championship.
“Tim has been training hard after taking a few days off after Mantova. It’s a track he likes very much. He was very fast there last year, and it’s the kind that suits him very well. It will be interesting to see now after a three-week break where the other riders will be and where the level will be, but Tim and the team are all very well and feeling good, so we’re looking forward to getting straight back to where we left off in Mantova.”
Tim Gajser, no.243
“After Mantova I had completely one week off on holiday, with no training and just relaxing which was really great. I think it was really important to have a little break and a little holiday because we have a really tough and busy first half of the year. The races were really close and until now I actually even didn’t have a free weekend, so it was fantastic to switch off for one week. Then we came back straight into hard training again to be in top form. Now, after three weeks, I feel that I’m really missing the racing so I can’t wait to get back to it in Loket. I’m feeling fresh and like I’ve recharged my batteries.
“Loket is really hard pack so I like it a lot. I will do my best, and I will approach it in the same way as every race – just have fun and enjoy. If I go like that, I can be really fast and for sure again on the podium. Again there will be many fans and supporters from Slovenia, which I’m really looking forward to. I’m really happy that so many people are now paying attention to motocross there. In the past two years it’s completely changed, and I’m really thankful for everyone who spends their money to come out in support and see the races. Thank you all of you and look forward to seeing you!”
Jorge Zaragoza, no.101
“I’m looking forward to getting back to racing and to a hard pack surface like at Loket. I like the track, and have taken the last three weeks to regroup and hopefully come back stronger, physically, mentally and on the bike. I feel more comfortable on hard pack ground so I’m aiming for a strong ride into the top ten this weekend. That’s my goal to start this second half of the season in a good way.”