The third Grand Prix of the 2018 Motocross World Championship is due to get underway at the RedSand MX Park in Spain’s Valencian Community, with Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Calvin Vlaanderen eager to jump back on their CRF machines to contest the second of two back-to-back events that kick start the European season of MXGP.
Gajser had a welcome return to MXGP after missing the opening round of the year in Patagonia. In the freezing cold of Valkenswaard, the two-time Motocross World Champion had a very encouraging season debut, as he showed flashes of his superlative talent aboard the Honda CRF450RW machine #243.
Held back by poor health conditions in the Netherlands, Vlaanderen now aims to return to the type of form shown at Villa la Angostura earlier this month, where he displayed great speed and his iconic smooth-but-effective riding style, while continuing to gel with the all-new Honda CRF250RW.
Tim Gajser 243
I can’t wait to get to RedSand and take part in my second round of the year. Valkenswaard wasn’t too bad although I couldn’t find the rhythm in the races and made some mistakes, but I’m really happy to be back. I’ve been training hard since I came back and I feel like I’m ready to go. We were riding at RedSand for a couple of days before the season started and I must say I really like the track, so things are looking good for the weekend.
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Calvin Vlaanderen 10
I’m looking forward to getting behind the gate for round three this weekend. It’s a new track on the calendar this year so that’s exciting. I’ve seen some pictures and it looks like the organisers are doing a great job with getting the facility ready for the weekend. I was lucky enough to ride a few days there in the winter with the team so I have an idea of what to expect of the track. I know my mechanics will have my bike running great so I can’t wait to have fun on my Honda this weekend.
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Marcus Pereira de Freitas
HRC General Manager – MXGP
It’s time to dive into the third round of the series at RedSand, a new venue for the MXGP championship and one that looks exciting and challenging at the same time. Quite a few riders and teams – including us – have had a first taste of the new track during the off-season, so it’ll be familiar ground for many. We will go from -2°C of Valkenswaard to the 20°C more-or-less expected for the weekend, and I’m sure it’s something the riders will be happy about. We are looking forward to seeing the continuation of Tim’s progress and I’m sure Calvin will be eager to debut at this track too.
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