Teutschenthal, Germany is the host venue for the eighth round of this 2024 World Motocross Championship, with Tim Gajser (MXGP class) and Ferruccio Zanchi (MX2) heading to the circuit with renewed confidence after impressive rides the last time out in St Jean D’Angely, France. Words: HRC MXGP
Five-time world champion, Gajser took the GP victory in the muddy conditions, regaining the red-plate in the process and giving himself a timely boost that he is the man to beat in this hugely competitive series. Unfortunately, this weekend also looks like there will be rain at some point, so the #243 will once again be preparing himself for all kinds of track surfaces, at a circuit he has won at four times in the past.
Zanchi has also tasted success at Teutschenthal, in the EMX250 ranks last year, winning a moto and narrowly missing out on the podium due to the second moto tie-breaker. And as such, the young Italian is very much looking forward to continuing his impressive form at the German track, where he is fast-becoming a staple part of the MX2 top 10. Since he returned at Lugo, Spain, he has gone 4-11-10-9-7-8 in the qualifying and GP-scoring races and he’ll be hoping for three more solid results at this hard-pack track which usually forms deep ruts.
However, as mentioned, the forecast is showing that rain will be hitting the venue over the course of the weekend, so like the races in Portugal and France, Team HRC will be making sure they are fully-ready for whatever is thrown at them, with both Gajser and Zanchi showing that they are capable of getting the job done regardless.
Tim Gajser
“I like the circuit at Teutschenthal and I have a good record there too. It seems to suit my style well and obviously after winning in France, I am excited to try and do it again this weekend. It felt good to have a weekend off after those last three events, but knowing that we have another three in a row coming up means we can’t afford to relax too much. Once again it seems like the weather might cause some issues but we can only control what we can control, so we’ll just prepare for everything and see what happens.”
Ferruccio Zanchi
“I’ve really enjoyed my return to the championship after the injury, and I’m happy to have scored good points in all the six races. I feel like I’m getting to grips with the pace of the MX2 class a bit more now and am just feeling more confident that I belong against these guys. I won a moto in Teutschenthal last year in the EMX250 class so it is a track I know I can perform well on, and my goal is to just keep this momentum going and keep working my way closer and closer to the front of the field.”
Marcus Pereira de Freitas – HRC General Manager – MXGP
“It was great for Tim to win the MXGP of France, even in such difficult circumstances. He’s ridden really well all year and I think he deserves a lot of credit for putting in strong rides, whatever the conditions and the victory, combined with getting the red-plate back is something he can be very happy with. Germany is also a good track for him and there is another chance for him to put in three good motos and hopefully cement his lead at the top.
We also very happy with the progress that Ferruccio is making. Sometimes we forget that he’s only 17 years old, and only ridden four GPs as a full-time MX2 rider, so to see him battling against guys with four or more years in the class is very impressive. We are trying not to push him too much, but we are very excited for the future.”
Image: HRC
