Read what a host of MXGP riders had to say about their weekend at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha.
MXGP
Tim Gajser: “It was a good weekend, on what was a very difficult track. I made things difficult in race two by not getting a good start but overall I am very happy with how things turned out. We have all worked very hard to get to this place and it nice to get a win – my 50th – and get the red-plate back and just show everyone that I am still at a very good level. Now the aim is to hold onto it until after the last round of the season.”
Glenn Coldenhoff: “Fantic made a big step, and they have worked so hard over the last year. I feel like we are working really closely together, and we have some really motivated people behind us. I get a lot of energy from them. Our bike is really good, and I took three really good starts; that was the key this weekend. It was very, very difficult out there, but we made it happen. Second overall and my first podium in two years – that feels good. I am happy for the whole Fantic team, with Bona being on the podium together with me, and also Brian – he finished fourth in race 2 and has the pace. I think it will be a nice year for Fantic. I am thankful for the whole team, also the mechanics who are the real winners this weekend here.”
Andrea Bonacorsi: “I don’t really know what to say, it is just amazing. It was a really tough day for everyone, but in the end, hard work pays off. A 2-3 for Fantic is cool. I just feel really good with them. I am in a really good spot with the whole team. Also, having Glenn and Brian by my side – they are so experienced, and I can learn a lot from them. Everyone at Fantic and the team are working hard. They are amazing, and it feels like being home again. Thank you all!”
Ruben Fernandez: “I rode really well in the first race, just keeping things as steady as I could and it was great to follow Tim across the line and give Honda HRC a one-two result. In race two I got another good start but messed up in the second corner and was then last place. It was really difficult conditions with rain and sun, and mud and ruts and I tried to pass as many people as I could but I could only get up to 12th place. It is never a nice feeling to finish fourth overall, however I am proud of my riding and it shows I’m on the right track.”
Romain Febvre: “Actually I’m pretty happy with what I achieved today; there was much more to lose than to win. The mistake I made in Quali yesterday meant that I could not choose a good place at the gate and that made it so much more difficult for the start. And the start was so important today. The guys who started at the front stayed there; their life was so much easier. It was a different race if you were in the pack; you were getting filled in with dirt the entire race and by the finish the bike must have weighed three hundred kilos and there was ten kilos of mud on your helmet. Of course Gajser took some points but I am still second in the championship headed to my home GP at St Jean next weekend.”
Isak Gifting: “Sixth overall in Spain. What a messy weekend, but happy with my speed and progress. Good effort from my team to keep everything ready for the races.”
Brian Bogers: “I am really happy with the weekend, especially with my riding on Saturday, finishing fourth in the qualifying race on a track that was still in good condition. It was good to show some solid speed. I know I can ride well in the mud, and I proved it again today with fourth in race 2. In the first moto, I got caught up in a start crash, managed to recover to ninth, but then went down again and finished eleventh. It is a bit of a shame because with two good starts, my overall result could have been much better. But it definitely feels good to be back up front.”
Kevin Horgmo: Tough conditions for all the team this weekend, thanks for all the hard work guys! Holeshot and P5 in race one!! Race two, came from a bad start, got taken out while on the way up the field. Started charging again and came back to P9, then crashed in the last corner. Finished P10. Eighth overall and a solid weekend in general.”
Lucas Coenen: “I had the speed on Saturday but got a little tight and 6th was OK from the heat. We had a lot of rain for Sunday. I crashed in the start and had to come back from last to 9th in the first moto but the start was a lot better in the second race. It was a shame to have that little tip-over. The rest was history. P8: finito! Onto the next one.”
Maxime Renaux: “A horrible day. Crashes at the start of both races made things really difficult and then I rode too tight so I couldn’t come through the pack like I wanted to. I wasn’t quite 100% coming into this weekend either but we picked up some points, which is important. My aim now is to perform at my best level next weekend in Saint Jean and ride like I did in Argentina.”
Image: MXGP
