Tim Gajser demonstrated today that he just keeps getting stronger with two fantastic rides in the sand to take his fifth MX2 Grand Prix victory of the season. In doing so, the Slovenian also takes the lead of the hotly contested MX2 World Championship, becoming the first Honda rider since 2009 to hold the red plate.
Not previously known as a sand specialist, Gajser gave everyone reason to think differently with a masterclass. In race one he made what may well prove to be a pivotal pass in the title chase, fighting his way back from sixth place to get the better of his championship rivals in a straight fight and take the moto victory.
In the second race, the 18 year-old didn’t have as good a start and found himself in tenth, but that didn’t slow his progress. By the halfway point he was fifth, and with six of the 20 minutes remaining he slotted into second with a dominant ride, earning him his fifth win of the season, more than any of his rivals, and 13-point advantage in the title chase.
Now just two Grands Prix remain – Mexico, where Tim won the second moto and took second overall, and America which is another fast hard-pack track which will suit him very well.
Giacomo Gariboldi, Team Principal
“It’s been an amazing day and an amazing season. It’s a red bike and a red team so it’s the perfect place for the red plate! We came here expecting not to lose many points in the sand, but we came out of the weekend with the GP win and the red plate. I have no words to describe the feeling. I’m so happy for everyone in the team, for Honda and HRC. Everybody has been working so hard for this result. Now we have to keep the focus for the last two GPs. Still it’s not finished so we keep with the hard work, but I think now we are in a better position after this weekend.”
Tim Gajser, no.243
“I feel just amazing to be leading the championship. It’s just a dream for me. I didn’t expect this from this weekend because I’m more of a hard-pack rider and I don’t train so much in the sand, but anyway the weekend went really well and I was just riding so easily and comfortably. I’m so happy we take the red plate. We have four more motos until the end and anything can still happen, but the goal is just to keep having fun. It’s been an amazing year and I’m so happy with where we are now and to have extended the deal with Honda because I really feel like we are a really good family and everything is working just so well. Now I’m really looking forward to the Mexico, where I won a moto last year, and to America and doing our best to finish the season well. Right now I feel fantastic!”
Overall results
| 1 | Tim Gajser | HONDA | 47pts |
| 2 | Max Anstie | Kawasaki | 37pts |
| 3 | Brent v Doninck | Yamaha | 36pts |
| 4 | Julien Lieber | Yamaha | 35pts |
| 5 | Jeremy Seewer | Suzuki | 31pts |
| 6 | Pauls Jonass | KTM | 30pts |
| 7 | Harri Kullas | Husqvarna | 29pts |
| 8 | Benoit Paturel | Yamaha | 28pts |
| 9 | Thomas Covington | Kawasaki | 25pts |
| 10 | Brian Bogers | KTM | 22pts |
| DNS | Jorge Zaragoza | HONDA | 0pts |