Tim Gajser: Defending His Points Lead

While Team HRC rider Tim Gajser has had one of the best seasons of his career, as he takes a 122-point lead into the final four rounds of the 2022 MXGP championship, you start to get the feeling that the road to that fifth Motocross World Title can bring up some obstacles. Entering the deep sand circuit there was no lack of confidence to gain maximum points.

“I’ve had some really good results in Lommel the past few years,” Gajser said. “So, I was going to try my best to get back to that level and get myself on the top step of the podium again. Loket didn’t go my way, but in the end, it was a good result for the championship so I can’t be too disappointed. Lommel would be a completely different challenge and I thought the racing would be a lot better, because it is so easy to make up, or lose time with just the smallest line choice. I felt confident and was looking forward to getting there and seeing just how difficult the track would be!”.

Having already won at the Lommel track, Gajser came into the Belgian GP with some confidence and managed first in free practice and second in timed practice, so all looked good for a solid result in the qualification race. Sure enough, a runner-up finish gave the Slovenian a great position on the gate for Sunday.

“Lommel is always a tough day. Overall, it went okay, with me second in both timed practice and the qualification race. The track was pretty flat early on, but by the time our race came around, it was technical and typical Lommel conditions. The hot temperatures didn’t make it any easier and it was expected to be even hotter on Sunday, so I just kept a good pace and tried not to expend any unnecessary energy. I think my speed and fitness is good, so if I can grab two good starts, I believe I can add to my three overalls here and give all my fans a lot to cheer about.”

The Sunday though was another day that didn’t really go his way, with 7-7 scores and one of his worst overall results this year. Possibly thinking about his big points lead and just being careful played in the head of the HRC boy, one thing was for sure, there was some disappointing moments as Gajser relived the overall position in his comments.

“I never really found a good flow in either race and when the track is as rough as it was, that makes things exceedingly difficult. I tried to push as much as I could, but the rhythm wasn’t there, and it was more survival than racing. Obviously, I’m a little disappointed with the overall performance as I always want to be challenging for wins, so I’m going to use this weekend off to just make sure I’m ready for these final four GPs where I want to finish the season strongly.”  

Now onto Sweden, a place that will suit the Honda rider and with that massive points lead, he again has the chance to play it cool, run similar results to his main opposition and head to the next round in Finland where he should wrap up his fifth world title.

Photo Copyright: Bavo Swijgers