The FIM world championship heads into the first European leg of the series and familiar ground this weekend, as Tim Gajser and Evgeny Bobryshev prepare to line up their CRF450RW’s in Arco.
After his triumphant win at the Mexican GP, red plate holder; Tim Gajser, is now a solid 20 points ahead in the MXGP championship. The Slovenian will want to continue his current winning streak in Italy to comfortably extend his championship lead. Last year Gajser took third place in Arco after a few small crashes cost him the overall. After the dominating the last few rounds, his goal is firmly set on surpassing this result and taking the win.
Bobryshev will be heading into Arco fresh from his trip to Japan where he visited HRC and took part in the JMX at Kumamoto. He will be seeking redemption in Italy after his mixed weekend at the Mexican GP. In 2016 Bobryshev had a strong ride in here, securing third position in the second race. He enters this weekend knowing he has the capability of finishing on the podium.
With rain forecast over the weekend this could prove to make the hard-packed track, a little muddy for the first day of racing. The first MXGP qualifying race starts at 17h10 on Saturday 15th April.
Tim Gajser 243
I feel really excited about heading back into Europe because racing at Arco is always nice. Many fans come from Slovenia and it is very close to our country. It is going to be a busy weekend and I am going to try and enjoy it like I have enjoyed the last few weekends racing in the MXGP series. I am pleased we have no more fly aways for a while as the first four races have been tough. Especially having to deal with different temperatures, being sick and jet lag. Being in Europe for a while is something I am looking forward too.
Evgeny Bobryshev 777
We have some really good races coming up now that we are heading into Europe so I am very much looking forward to this. I am ready to go back Europe as I have had enough of riding overseas for a while. For me it has been difficult this year as I have had to deal with being sick and having jet lag constantly. Arco is a track I have had a few mixed fortunes at but it will feel more comfortable being back on home soil.
Roger Harvey
HRC General Manager – MXGP
We are finally back in Europe to start the campaign this side. With Tim on a roll now as well as Evgeny, we are looking to carry the results through here in Italy. The track rack at Arco is a pretty special and we have had success here in the past with both Tim and Evgeny. We are hoping for good weather and we know it will be a massive crowd as it is a local race for the MXGP team so we are expecting a lot of fans and Honda supporters
Words: Press Release Photos: Press Release
