Fernandez wins Swiss qualification ahead of Gajser as Honda HRC go one-two
FrauenfeldRuben Fernandez and Tim Gajser went one-two respectively in the MXGP of Switzerland qualification race, dominating the MXGP class by nearly 30 seconds
Ruben Fernandez and Tim Gajser went one-two respectively in the MXGP of Switzerland qualification race, dominating the MXGP class by nearly 30 seconds and making a statement for the Honda HRC team. Fernandez’ holeshot followed on from Valerio Lata’s holeshot in the MX2 class, showing the power of the CRF machinery at the Frauenfeld circuit.
On a track that isn’t his favourite, Fernandez’ performance was truly an excellent result, showing speed and consistency after powering away at the beginning of the race. After one lap, he was being chased around the track by fellow CRF450R rider Gajser, and pair put in lap-times that the rest of the field didn’t come close to matching. Gajser probed and prodded but couldn’t find a way past, settling for second place – and still increasing his championship lead to 42pts – as Fernandez kept his composure and his pace to pull 27 second gap to the rest of the field. It is the second Honda HRC one-two of the season, after the muddy race one in Spain and further proof that both the bikes and riders are working extremely well together.
This was also on display in the MX2 class, as Lata rocketed out of the gate on his Honda CRF250R and led the first few laps of his qualification race. This was a result of an excellent fourth place in timed practice and another example of the potential that the young Italian has. He did end up dropping to sixth, in this highly competitive field but these are still positive steps and he is ticking off a lot of boxes that should stand him in good stead for the rest of the season.
Ferruccio Zanchi wasn’t quite able to have the same impact, placing 10th in timed practice before coming from outside the top 10 to finish ninth in the qualification race. On the tight and twisty Frauenfeld circuit, passing was extremely difficult so starts are going to be crucial when the racing resumes on Monday. Now the team have Easter Sunday off to prepare themselves for the longer GP-scoring motos, but all four are feeling good about their chances and are excited to get going again for this sixth round of the 2025 MXGP World Championship.
MX2 Qualification Race
1. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), 24:19.016; 2. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), +0:01.798; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:03.052; 4. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:04.463; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:13.511; 6. Valerio Lata (ITA, Honda), +0:14.429; 7. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:14.989; 8. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +0:16.472; 9. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +0:18.684; 10. Cas Valk (NED, KTM), +0:20.236;
I felt I had the pace to win the race today, but it wasn’t easy to pass Ruben and I didn’t want to risk too much on this technical track. I didn’t have the best start and got closed off, but I made a good amount of passes on the first lap and very quickly was behind Ruben. He rode really well and a big congratulations to him because winning is special and he deserves it with his recent performances. It was still a good day in the championship and I’m hoping for the same again – maybe a little bit more – on Monday.
I felt I had the pace to win the race today, but it wasn’t easy to pass Ruben and I didn’t want to risk too much on this technical track. I didn’t have the best start and got closed off, but I made a good amount of passes on the first lap and very quickly was behind Ruben. He rode really well and a big congratulations to him because winning is special and he deserves it with his recent performances. It was still a good day in the championship and I’m hoping for the same again – maybe a little bit more – on Monday.
It was great to win the qualification race here in Switzerland, and get my first race win of the season. It wasn’t easy holding off Tim but I knew my pace was good and I just chose some good lines in the right places as I know it is difficult to pass here. Of course this was helped by the holeshot, which was like last year’s one I did on my return here. Now we have a day-off before racing on Monday but I’m really happy and looking forward to the gate-drops.
It was great to win the qualification race here in Switzerland, and get my first race win of the season. It wasn’t easy holding off Tim but I knew my pace was good and I just chose some good lines in the right places as I know it is difficult to pass here. Of course this was helped by the holeshot, which was like last year’s one I did on my return here. Now we have a day-off before racing on Monday but I’m really happy and looking forward to the gate-drops.
Today was better than recent Saturdays, but on this track the start is so important and getting a good gate-pick comes from putting in a good lap-time in timed practice and I couldn’t do as good as I wanted. 10th in timed practice, gave me around a 10th place start and I wasn’t able to pass as many people as I wanted and ended up ninth. It’s still not where I want to be, but my race-speed was good, and I know I can do better if I start with the front guys.
Today was better than recent Saturdays, but on this track the start is so important and getting a good gate-pick comes from putting in a good lap-time in timed practice and I couldn’t do as good as I wanted. 10th in timed practice, gave me around a 10th place start and I wasn’t able to pass as many people as I wanted and ended up ninth. It’s still not where I want to be, but my race-speed was good, and I know I can do better if I start with the front guys.
Getting a holeshot is a big boost for me and after a good start in Trentino, I’m very happy with that aspect of my riding and it’s cool for the team and reward for all the hard work they do. Unfortunately I couldn’t match that speed for the rest of the moto, but those guys are so fast and consistent throughout the whole race and that’s something I need to work on. Still, it is my rookie season and this was another big step to lead a race for a few laps and it gives me more confidence that I belong at the front.
Getting a holeshot is a big boost for me and after a good start in Trentino, I’m very happy with that aspect of my riding and it’s cool for the team and reward for all the hard work they do. Unfortunately I couldn’t match that speed for the rest of the moto, but those guys are so fast and consistent throughout the whole race and that’s something I need to work on. Still, it is my rookie season and this was another big step to lead a race for a few laps and it gives me more confidence that I belong at the front.
Ruben and Tim going one-two, plus Ruben and Valerio getting the holeshots in the MXGP and MX2 classes makes this a very good day for Honda HRC. Everyone works so hard so it is nice to have these moments and it gives everyone a little boost after these three races in three weekends. Now we have a day to prepare for Monday when the GP racing takes place, and our goal is to help all four guys to perform to a similar level and really show that we are the team to beat.
Ruben and Tim going one-two, plus Ruben and Valerio getting the holeshots in the MXGP and MX2 classes makes this a very good day for Honda HRC. Everyone works so hard so it is nice to have these moments and it gives everyone a little boost after these three races in three weekends. Now we have a day to prepare for Monday when the GP racing takes place, and our goal is to help all four guys to perform to a similar level and really show that we are the team to beat.
