This weekend’s MXGP of Latvia, round six of the championship, will see the return of David Herbreteau in his debut MX2 campaign with the team, alongside Tim Gajser and Jorge Zaragoza. Having missed the first four flyaway races, Herbreteau will now be a regular in the MX2 field.
Honda Gariboldi Racing are riding high after double back-to-back victories with Tim Gajser at the MXGPs of Argentina and Mexico last time out, including what was arguably the Slovenian’s best race of the season in the second moto in Mexico.
The Kegums track is situated just under an hour southeast from the Latvian capital of Riga. Comprising hard sand, the 1540m venue has a tight first turn from the start which has caught many a rider out in the past, including Gajser who was knocked around at the start of both races last year.
Weather is likely to be a big factor this coming weekend too, with the cold snap across Europe bringing overnight temperatures as low as four degrees Celsius, and the chance of rain over the weekend ever-present. MX2 Free Practice will commence at 1015hrs local time on Saturday with Sunday’s two races set to start at 1315hrs and 1610hrs local time.
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal:
“Looking at the forecast, it looks like rain in the week but the weekend should be ok. Even with the rain in the week though, the track is sandy so it shouldn’t be a problem. Tim likes this track and goes well here – he had good speed last year and rode very well in the Nations in 2014 even with the injury. David like this type of track too, so I’m very curious to see how he will do after all the hard work he’s been doing in the last month since Valkenswaard. We’re expecting top ten from him, and the target for Jorge is top five during the season.”
Tim Gajser, no.243:
“I’m doing really great and feeling really good. This past weekend since Mexico I raced in the Slovenian championship and went to Spain for the 150 Championship training camp, so it was actually busy but a lot of fun. The race in Slovenia was very close to my house so there were many, many fans there which I always love to see, and it was good to be in Spain with the kids. There were many good young talents there and actually I was surprised, so I’m glad I was invited.
“In Latvia we’re back on sand again, and I like the track so I’m looking forward to it. Last year we had good speed on Saturday but then Jonass hit my ankle in the race in turn one. This year we’re totally focused again though. From the last two races, I know I have the speed and I can, but honestly I couldn’t expect to win both races. It was a fantastic two weeks though and it’s good to close in on the title lead, so I’m feeling very comfortable and confident at the moment.”
Jorge Zaragoza, no.101:
“The sand is always difficult for me but I raced last year and in the Nations before that and I like the track. The sand is not so deep so I hope to have a good weekend there. We finished tenth in Mexico last time out after being in the top five from the start, so the plan is to keep the progress going and be fighting in the top five for longer.”
David Herbreteau, no.338:
“I’m feeling better than I did in Valkenswaard as I had the injury just before so I wasn’t at 100 per cent. Since then I feel a lot better in myself and on the bike. We’re working hard and in a good direction, so I’m confident of being at 100 per cent in Latvia. The track is not so easy as it’s sandy and bumpy, but it’s a good track for me towards the end of the races. I know I miss a little speed, but I can be better than other riders on the technical side so when the speed is a little bit lower when the track is rougher, and I can make up with my technical riding. The field is strong and there are a lot of good riders but I want to do my best and aim for the top ten, but mot im