MXGP class leader and multi-time former world champion Tim Gajser can’t wait to get to grips with his return to Europe this weekend.
Following the Indonesian double-header over the past two weekends, Gajser is ready to take on the challenge that the historic Loket track in the Czech Republic might bring.
The Team HRC rider from Slovenia impressed in Asia and he is excited to resume on more familiar turf this weekend, at a track where he knows he can excel.
This is the 13th round of what has been some extremely competitive racing in both the MXGP and MX2 classes, and Gajser has been able to pull-out a lead of 34 points at the top of the standings, as he looks for championship number six, but first things first, he has to try and win at a track that he has never been able to in his incredible career to date.
In may come as a surprise, given that Loket is a hard-pack, hillside venue, similar to the sort of track that Gajser grew up riding, but for differing reasons he hasn’t quite been able to stand atop the podium and that is something he wants to change for 2024.
Three holeshots in a row certainly helped his cause in Lombok last time out, and he’ll be looking to repeat that for the picturesque gate-drops in the Czech Republic this weekend, which if he manages, should stand him in very good stead for when the trophies are handed out.
“The first round in Indonesia didn’t go to plan, but I am very happy with how we recovered for the second event as a team,” said Gajser.
“It was important to show my speed and increase the championship lead back to what it was before we left for the double-header.
“It was also great to get three holeshots in the three races, I don’t think I’ve done that before and it just shows that all the hard work we’ve put into the starts is paying off.
“Loket is up next and while I haven’t won there yet, I’m feeling good and I’m excited to head there and see all my European fans once again.”
Photo courtesy Honda
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2024 STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 12:
MXGP – World Championship Classification:
1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 608 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 574 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 557 p.; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 429 p.; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 411 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 360 p.; 7. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 327 p.; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 274 p.; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 264 p.; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 259 p.
MX2 – World Championship Classification:
1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 576 points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 527 p.; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 509 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 471 p.; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 455 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 399 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 346 p.; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 341 p.; 9. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KAW), 228 p.; 10. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 p.