Tim Gajser and Ferruccio Zanchi have returned to Europe after the Indonesian double-header, ready to take on the challenge that the historic Loket track in the Czech Republic brings. The Team HRC duo had a multitude of decent results in Asia and are both excited to resume their seasons on familiar turf, at a track that they feel they can improve upon their previous race results.
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 34pts 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 the #243 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.
After riding at Loket early on in his mini-bike days, Zanchi made his return to this track last year when he rode as an MX2 wildcard putting in three impressive results for his second ever MX2 event. Now though, after half a season as a full-time MX2 competitor, the young Italian will be hoping to show more and close in even further to the top five riders, who he has been able to battle against at varying points in the championship so far. The speed has certainly been on display in recent rounds and if he can cut out some of the small errors at the beginning of races, he really could have a very successful second-half to this campaign.
There has also been some good news for the third member of Team HRC, as Ruben Fernandez returned to riding this weekend. The Spaniard hasn’t been able to mount his Honda CRF450R since the opening round in Argentina, but after diligently following his recovery protocol, he has taken another big step towards race action. Of course, now he has to get back his on-bike fitness after such a lengthy absence, but the #70 is in good spirits and knows that the end is in sight. As of right now, there still isn’t an exact plan for his return, but his fitness will be monitored and when the moment is correct and he is back to feeling 100%, then he will re-join the team in the MXGP series.
Tim Gajser: 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. 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.
Ruben Fernandez: It’s great to be back on the bike riding again. Obviously, this is just another step in the process, but it is a big step for me after having such a long layoff. Watching from the sidelines isn’t what any racer wants to do, and this recovery has been a long one, but I feel like I’ve done all the things necessary to get back to riding at this stage and now I need to get back up to speed. There isn’t any rush because I don’t want to come back too soon and risk anything, so I will speak with all my team and my medical crew and make sure I’m 100% before I line up behind a gate.
Ferruccio Zanchi: Indonesia was definitely a learning experience for me, and I’m glad to have got through it safely and with a few good rides. Not everything went to plan, but that is part of becoming a true world championship rider and I believe I will improve because of it. Loket is a track I’ve ridden a few times in my career, including last year as an MX2 wildcard, so I know what it’s about and I feel like it could be a good track for me and I’m just really excited to go out and race again.
Marcus Pereira de Freitas: We are always glad to see our Indonesian fans and colleagues, and we realise how valuable it is to go there as part of this MXGP world championship. It was a good trip, with some good moments, but now the focus is on the Czech Republic and the challenges that Loket poses for our riders. I feel like the changes we made for the second Lombok round will actually help Tim with his racing here, because while he’s been good, he’s never won here and it’s strange because it seems like a track that should suit him. However, we’re going to work really hard to change that, and also to help Ferro show his speed in the MX2 class.
Photocredits – Bavo
