More to come from Honda HRC as Darwin promises epic finale
DarwinFifth and sixth in qualifying for Gajser and Fernandez in season-finale MXGP of Australia
The 2025 MXGP World Championship is drawing to a close tomorrow, and Darwin, Australia is proving to be a fitting final location for the Honda HRC trio as they try to improve upon their qualification results from today.
Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez were fifth and sixth in what were tough battling performances from the pair on this excellent circuit at Hidden Valley Raceway. Hosting a GP for the very first time, the track builders did an excellent job crafting a challenging, yet fun track for the riders and all of them are excited to go again tomorrow, for what will be the 59th and 60th points-scoring motos this year.
After a fifth in timed practice, Gajser got a good start and was with the top five as they rounded the first corner. However, as he tried to make moves, the riders in front were able to repel his attacks and instead he ate a lot of roost, which ended up causing him to have to drop back a bit. Unfortunately that allowed another rider to make their move and although he fought back near the end, the #243 ended up crossing the line in fifth place.
Behind him was a charging Fernandez, who came up through the field after a difficult first bend. The Spaniard got shuffled back as the pack rounded the opening corner, but then put on an impressive display of passing to get all the way up to sixth place by the time he received the chequered flag. Utilising the full width of this brand-new circuit, he took advantage of the outside lines on offer and kept pushing until the very end as he tries to finish this 2025 campaign off with some good results.
Unfortunately an electrical problem in the MX2 qualification race halted Valerio Lata’s progress, so the Italian was unable to finish and will now start tomorrow’s motos from last gate-pick. It’s definitely not ideal for the youngster, but he’s still determined for tomorrow and hopeful of a good points tally to finish-off his rookie MX2 campaign.
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MX2 Qualifying Race
1. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), 23:46.711; 2. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:05.720; 3. Guillem Farres (ESP, Triumph), +0:09.785; 4. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), +0:11.231; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:15.615; 6. Mathis Valin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:30.363; 7. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:33.419; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:34.329; 9. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:35.191; 10. Kay Karssemakers (NED, Kawasaki), +0:35.658;… 16. Valerio Lata (ITA, Honda), -7 lap(s);
It was a tough day, but I think they did a good job with this whole race. The circuit is difficult to judge with different spots requiring different skills, so it always keeps you on your toes. I was battling the entire race and unfortunately the roost caused me an issue that meant I wasn’t able to push forward as much as I would have liked, still, fifth is a decent result and I think I’ll be able to do better tomorrow.
It was a tough day, but I think they did a good job with this whole race. The circuit is difficult to judge with different spots requiring different skills, so it always keeps you on your toes. I was battling the entire race and unfortunately the roost caused me an issue that meant I wasn’t able to push forward as much as I would have liked, still, fifth is a decent result and I think I’ll be able to do better tomorrow.
I didn’t have the best start, but I fought through the pack well and was happy to have ended up sixth. It certainly wasn’t an easy surface, but they did an excellent job with the circuit and it is good to be here in Australia racing. After China, the temperature doesn’t feel so bad, but it is still hot and humid so we have to be prepared for the same tomorrow when we’ll have even longer races.
I didn’t have the best start, but I fought through the pack well and was happy to have ended up sixth. It certainly wasn’t an easy surface, but they did an excellent job with the circuit and it is good to be here in Australia racing. After China, the temperature doesn’t feel so bad, but it is still hot and humid so we have to be prepared for the same tomorrow when we’ll have even longer races.
It was disappointing to have to pull off the racetrack, but it was right decision and at least I saved a bit of energy for tomorrow. It is a tricky circuit, but there are some different lines and I think all the riders enjoyed riding on it. Now, I just have to forget today and focus on just going out and trying to get two good starts from the outside and battle to finish this season strongly.
It was disappointing to have to pull off the racetrack, but it was right decision and at least I saved a bit of energy for tomorrow. It is a tricky circuit, but there are some different lines and I think all the riders enjoyed riding on it. Now, I just have to forget today and focus on just going out and trying to get two good starts from the outside and battle to finish this season strongly.
I think everyone has been very impressed with how this MXGP of Australia has been organised, and the job they did with the circuit. It is a real challenge and provided some good action today, so credit to them for creating something this good in year one. For Tim and Ruben, both showed potential in the qualification race, but I think they will be expecting more for tomorrow and now we’ve had a day of riding, we know a little bit more of what to expect.
I think everyone has been very impressed with how this MXGP of Australia has been organised, and the job they did with the circuit. It is a real challenge and provided some good action today, so credit to them for creating something this good in year one. For Tim and Ruben, both showed potential in the qualification race, but I think they will be expecting more for tomorrow and now we’ve had a day of riding, we know a little bit more of what to expect.
