I think many of us expected HRC factory rider, Tim Gajser to send a message last weekend. Prior to the event, I mentioned it is his turn to win, and sure enough, he took his turn. The 18 point lead over Jorge Prado isn’t huge, but its big enough to feel confident and with six Sunday motos and three Saturday motos remaining, you get the feeling he has again take the upper hand over Prado and Jeffrey Herlings.

Now with 49 GP wins, his next victory is a historical one, as he will equal the great Joel Robert on 50 GP wins. A special day, when it happens, either in the final three races, or early next year. Below is what he told the World media on Sunday afternoon.

How did he feel all weekend

I felt good on the track already yesterday and I think the rain overnight was not too bad. The track had some deep ruts, and I felt good. I had two solid starts and the first race I pushed and the beginning and it wasn’t easy to pass. I made a little gap and controlled the race. I was feeling good, you know. The second one I was fifth or fourth and made some passes and in the lead and I was just trying to take good lines and it wasn’t easy on the track.

The final three rounds

We will approach the final three rounds the same. Always trying to win, every time we are out there. Still six races to go, nine with the Saturday races. The gap is not that big and with have to fight for somethings. Just want to go out there and have fun and enjoy it.

The muddy conditions

I think the rain was good for the track. I like to ride in mud, but I am fast on the hard pack when it is dry. The track was softer, many lines, deep lines and slower than yesterday. I mean, it is a small track, tight track, but some fast sections, like the waves. Around the pit lane, you are just like (slow) and you can’t put all the potential on this track on the 450, but it’s the same for everyone.

Saturday Qualification

On this track, the start is critical and I wasn’t quite able to avoid some of the bumping and bashing going on down the start straight. I was probably around 10th early on but made a lot of passes early on and throughout the moto to get into second place and that’s where I crossed the line. I know that my speed is good, I just need to start near the front in order to stand a chance of winning.

Team Work

I am obviously very happy with how today went, just feeling really good on the bike and being able to show that on the track. A big thank you to all of Team HRC because we continue to work really hard and it’s moments like these that we need to enjoy because that work has come together. Both races, I had some really good lines that allowed me to make the necessary passes and once I got into the lead, I was able to control the rest of the race. I’m really excited to head to Turkey as it’s a track I like and keep this momentum going.

Bavo Swijgers image