Five-time World motocross champion Tim Gajser of the HRC factory team made it two podiums out of two in Spain last weekend, as the Slovenian went 2-2 for second overall at the difficult Intu-Xanadu circuit in Arroyomolinos, near Madrid, Spain.

The deep, ruts provided a real challenge for all the riders, but Gajser was able to put in two strong races and keep up the challenge at the top of the MXGP Championship. After his second place in the qualification race on Saturday, Gajser had second gate-pick for the motos today but in the first race he wasn’t able to use that to his advantage and instead came around the first turn in the middle of the field. Showing his speed and precision in the rest of the lap, he quickly carved his way through the pack and was in fourth place by the end of complete first lap. A lap later he was up to third, and then a couple of laps after that he was in second, but much like the qualifying race on the Saturday, the leader was too far ahead to mount any challenge.

The start went a lot better in race two, as Gajser’s Honda CRF450R rocketed around the first turn in second place. Poised to capitalise on any mistake, the #243 tried his best to put pressure on the leader but with the track conditions deteriorating, he realised that it was better to maintain his second place, than to risk a crash and drop valuable points at this early stage in the championship. So, in the end, a two-two finish was still good enough for second step on the podium and gives him sole possession of second place in the title battle with 18 rounds still left to race.

On the Saturday, the Slovenian had the second fastest time in timed practice, and then placed second again in the qualification race, giving him nine points and moving him up into second place in the championship.

On what is a very-rutted circuit, the Honda CRF450R rider took his time to find his rhythm, but once there, he showed the speed that saw him win two of the three races in Argentina last time out. This gave him a good pick for the qualification race, where he was unable to maximise that advantage as he didn’t get the best of starts.

However, the #243 made a lot of moves on the opening lap and actually had got his way all the way up to third by the end of the first full lap. Three laps later and the five-time world champion was into second place but by the time he got there, the leader had already opened up a considerable gap and rather than push too hard on this tricky terrain, he decided just to cruise it home for a solid second place. This gives him second pick once again for the two motos tomorrow, where he’ll be hoping to make better starts and try to add to his race and overall win tally and get hold of the championship-leading red-plate.

MXLarge: How did you feel on the Saturday?

Gajser: I didn’t get the best jump off the line, but I am pleased with my riding after that. I made a number of passes to get into second, which wasn’t easy on this track, so that is good to know that I can do it. However, I know I need to be much closer to the lead early on to stand a chance at winning the motos tomorrow. The deep ruts aren’t easy to navigate but it is the same challenge for everyone, and I know that my speed is there if I can get out front.

MXLarge: Tim, can you explain your Sunday?

Gajser: It was a solid consistent day, at a track that I must admit, isn’t my favourite. Still, there will be races when I’m not the fastest rider and I know that it is still important to get good points and today was like that. I didn’t get the best start in the first moto but was able to come through well to second place. Then in race two I got a much better start and was able to follow the leader round the first corner in second place. I tried to stay up with him, but he pulled away and then the gap stayed pretty consistent. I wanted to push near the end, but lappers made that difficult so in the end second was the best I could manage. Riola next up, will be a much different experience, but one I’m looking forward to.

MXLarge: Jorge was very fast today wasn’t he.

Gajser: Definitely Jorge was faster in both motos. First moto I didn’t have the best start and I was coming through the pack. Yes, when I came to second place, Jorge was like 10 or 12 seconds ahead, so I didn’t push. Second moto, I did a good start, and I was just behind him, but he was really fast today. He had a little gap and then we were matching laps. Romain was right behind me, and the pace was really good. I have to be happy with the two second places in the motos and good for the championship.

MXLarge: You mentioned in Argentina that consistency will be important for the championship, and you did that today. You might need to do that at every single GP?

Gajser: Yes, exactly, it is going to be important for the season and it is a long season. We are just two GPs in and 10 to go. We have many months ahead of us and who will be the most consistent and makes the least mistakes is going to be the champion.

MXLarge: Looks like you feel at peace with the bike, and you are riding well. You almost had the speed of Jorge. What do you still miss?

Gajser: I don’t know, I feel good. If I am honest, it isn’t my favourite track, but you have to compete on all tracks. As I said, Jorge was faster in all the sessions this weekend and I was the second fastest and that is how it is. I always say it can always be better and we are still improving on all points, and it is a long season to go.

Bavo Swijgers images