Fourth and fifth for Team HRC in Maggiora mud
MaggioraTeam HRC’s Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez came fourth and fifth respectively after a morning of heavy rain, left the Maggiora track extremely muddy for the afternoon qualification race.
Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez came fourth and fifth respectively after a morning of heavy rain, left the Maggiora track extremely muddy for the afternoon qualification race.
Given the deluge, the track crew did a fantastic job of getting the surface in decent shape, and although one section was cut-off, the rest of the circuit was much more rideable than it appeared it would be after a good four hours of consistent rain.
After a timed practice session where Gajser was third and Fernandez was seventh, the pair lined up for the qualification race, knowing that a start was crucial on this one-lined track where roost and goggle-conservation would be crucial. And, utilising the power of the Honda CRF450R, both riders were able to do exactly that, getting round the first couple of bends in third and sixth. With Gajser pressuring the rider two riders in front, and Fernandez not too far behind, it was looking like the duo were in position for a great moto.
A few laps later, Gajser had moved into second place and Fernandez was up into fifth, and there was the potential for a really strong finish for both Team HRC riders, however a mistake on the slippery uphill from the #243 when chasing the leader dropped him behind Fernandez and he had to try and regroup from there. Quickly he caught up to his teammate, and after battling for a couple of laps, the pair switched positions so that for the two motos tomorrow, Gajser will have fourth gate-pick and Fernandez will be right after him.
While there is still a little bit more rain forecast on Sunday morning, it shouldn’t be as much as there was today and with an evening to work on the track, the circuit should be in better condition with hopefully a few more lines available for passing. If that turns out to be the case, there is a very real chance that the pair will be fighting for the podium spots at this MXGP of Italy.
Fourth is an okay result, but it was frustrating to have that tip-over when I was in second place and lose those couple of positions and all that time. Conditions weren’t easy out there and it was difficult to pass, but I got a good start and was able to quickly move into third place. Then it was just a case of finding a good place to pass, which I managed quite early on, but a couple of laps later I made the mistake. Still, fourth place is a good gate-pick and if I can get two good starts tomorrow, I feel like I’ll be challenging for the podium, on what will hopefully be a better track.
Fourth is an okay result, but it was frustrating to have that tip-over when I was in second place and lose those couple of positions and all that time. Conditions weren’t easy out there and it was difficult to pass, but I got a good start and was able to quickly move into third place. Then it was just a case of finding a good place to pass, which I managed quite early on, but a couple of laps later I made the mistake. Still, fourth place is a good gate-pick and if I can get two good starts tomorrow, I feel like I’ll be challenging for the podium, on what will hopefully be a better track.
I had a pretty solid race, starting off in sixth and finishing fifth. I didn’t want to get out of control because it was slippery out there and very easy to make an error. Instead I kept it smooth and just put in consistent laps and I came fifth. Obviously I’d like to be challenging a little bit higher up the field and if the track dries out, as it should, I think that will help me and give me a bit more of a chance.
I had a pretty solid race, starting off in sixth and finishing fifth. I didn’t want to get out of control because it was slippery out there and very easy to make an error. Instead I kept it smooth and just put in consistent laps and I came fifth. Obviously I’d like to be challenging a little bit higher up the field and if the track dries out, as it should, I think that will help me and give me a bit more of a chance.
