Confident win for Gajser in Swedish qualification as Zanchi also impresses
UddevallaUddevalla, Sweden is hosting the 15th round of this 2024 MXGP World Championship and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser put himself in perfect position for tomorrow’s GP-scoring races, by taking the qualification victory and extending his lead in the series to 25 points.
It was an excellent day all-round for the Slovenian, placing second in both free and timed practice, before getting a great jump out of the gate on his Honda CRF450R machine and rounding the second bend in second position. Keeping the leader firmly in his sights, he waited a couple of laps before making his move on what was a tricky track surface and set about trying to pull away from the field. Although he was unable to stretch out the lead, he did stay in control for the rest of the race and once again took the qualification race victory – his seventh of the season – to gain another point on his nearest championship rival.
This will give him first gate-pick for the two races tomorrow where a further 50 points will be at stake on what should be an excellent day on the west coast of Sweden. Sunshine is expected, and the wind won’t be as strong so the conditions should be really good for when the #243 lines-up at 14:15 and 17:10.
MX2
Team HRC’s Ferruccio Zanchi put in another excellent qualification result on the rocky Uddevalla track to claim sixth place and move up into ninth place in the MX2 championship standings. The young Italian had a good start, but was shuffled down the pack in the early part of the first lap, crossing the line for the first time in eighth place. That didn’t deter him though, and despite having pressure from behind, he was able to make a couple of passes on this tricky MXGP of Sweden venue to receive the chequered flag in sixth place.
The #73 has now scored points in seven straight races and he’ll be hoping to increase that even further in the longer-length two motos tomorrow when 25 points is at stake in each race.
1. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), 24:23.503; 2. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:00.886; 3. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:08.263; 4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:25.912; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:31.297; 6. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +0:33.263; 7. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:38.103; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:46.744; 9. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:49.408; 10. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:49.701;
It was a good performance, and I feel really happy with how the day went. Obviously, I knew I needed to put in a good ride, just to put Lommel behind me, and that’s exactly what I was able to do. This Uddevalla track isn’t an easy place to ride, especially if you go off the fast lines, so I knew the start was important and I was able to fight hard to get into second early on. A couple of laps of following the leader and then I moved into the lead and was able to control the race. Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow.
It was a good performance, and I feel really happy with how the day went. Obviously, I knew I needed to put in a good ride, just to put Lommel behind me, and that’s exactly what I was able to do. This Uddevalla track isn’t an easy place to ride, especially if you go off the fast lines, so I knew the start was important and I was able to fight hard to get into second early on. A couple of laps of following the leader and then I moved into the lead and was able to control the race. Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow.
It was nice to be battling all race and to come away with a good result. I had a good start but then didn’t find my rhythm straight away and lost a couple of spots, but I quickly found it and then gained those places back. All moto I had riders in front and behind and that can make it difficult but I thought my pace was good and I was able to make a couple of passes and to finish sixth is closer to where I want to be.
It was nice to be battling all race and to come away with a good result. I had a good start but then didn’t find my rhythm straight away and lost a couple of spots, but I quickly found it and then gained those places back. All moto I had riders in front and behind and that can make it difficult but I thought my pace was good and I was able to make a couple of passes and to finish sixth is closer to where I want to be.
After yesterday’s torrential rain, we weren’t sure how the Uddevalla track would race, but Tim and Ferruccio both got to grips with the surface quickly and were able to put in two strong qualifying races. Tim got a good start and was able to stay out in front for the majority of the race, which was an impressive ride as he had pressure the whole race. And Ferro also was able to battle through and make some passes and looked like he belonged with those other guys. A very positive day and we are looking forward to tomorrow where we are aiming to do the same again.
After yesterday’s torrential rain, we weren’t sure how the Uddevalla track would race, but Tim and Ferruccio both got to grips with the surface quickly and were able to put in two strong qualifying races. Tim got a good start and was able to stay out in front for the majority of the race, which was an impressive ride as he had pressure the whole race. And Ferro also was able to battle through and make some passes and looked like he belonged with those other guys. A very positive day and we are looking forward to tomorrow where we are aiming to do the same again.
