Honda HRC’s Tim Gajser showed that his motocross skills in muddy conditions continue to be unmatched, as he swept through to win the MXGP of Castilla La Manche (Spain) qualification race. In the MX2 class, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Thibault Benistant powered his YZ250FM to a sensational qualifying race win.
Words | Press release
MXGP: TIM GAJSER WINS
Having posted the fastest time in practice, he had first gate-pick and rounded the first corner in third place. Navigating the Cozar track was difficult, after a week of rain had hit the circuit, but the Honda CRF450R rider showed that when the conditions are wet and muddy, he rises to the top. Taking his time to fine the right lines, he moved from third into second and then into first place with some calculated passes and the rest of the field couldn’t match his speed and smoothness as he took the win by over 10 seconds. The goal now is to repeat that effort tomorrow, when the forecast is predicting even more rain to hit the track, but if 2024 showed us anything, it is that not much can stop the #243 when he is in full flow.
«It was a good race in sketchy conditions. They’d smoothed over the track, but there were still ruts underneath so it was difficult to always know exactly what lines were good. Still, I was a good pace, got a good start which was a big help and made the passes when I needed to, to get into the lead. Overall, very happy with how it went and I’m hoping I can do the same again tomorrow.«
MX2: BENISTANT WINS!
After emerging from turn-one in second position, the Frenchman took the lead at the beginning of the first official lap and maintained a comfortable gap throughout the 20-minute plus two-lap sprint. At the flag, the stylish #9 won with an impressive six-second advantage over Sascha Coenen, who now leads the MX2 Championship Standings.
“I struggled a lot at the first round in Argentina. I didn’t feel like myself at all, but I managed to put it behind me pretty quickly and kept looking ahead. I know what I need to do. I wanted to ride free from any stress and to enjoy my riding, which is what I was focused on today, and I would say it went okay.”
MXGP QUALIFYING RACE HIGHLIGHTS
Full Saturday Results and Points Standings
