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.
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.
Ruben Fernandez #70: 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.
SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS
