Fourth and fifth for Team HRC in Maggiora mud

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez came fourth and fifth respectively after a morning of heavy rain, left the Maggiora track extremely muddy for the afternoon qualification race.

Given the deluge, the track crew did a fantastic job of getting the surface in decent shape, and although one section was cut-off, the rest of the circuit was much more rideable than it appeared it would be after a good four hours of consistent rain.

After a timed practice session where Gajser was third and Fernandez was seventh, the pair lined up for the qualification race, knowing that a start was crucial on this one-lined track where roost and goggle-conservation would be crucial. And, utilising the power of the Honda CRF450R, both riders were able to do exactly that, getting round the first couple of bends in third and sixth. With Gajser pressuring the rider two riders in front, and Fernandez not too far behind, it was looking like the duo were in position for a great moto.

A few laps later, Gajser had moved into second place and Fernandez was up into fifth, and there was the potential for a really strong finish for both Team HRC riders, however a mistake on the slippery uphill from the #243 when chasing the leader dropped him behind Fernandez and he had to try and regroup from there. Quickly he caught up to his teammate, and after battling for a couple of laps, the pair switched positions so that for the two motos tomorrow, Gajser will have fourth gate-pick and Fernandez will be right after him.

While there is still a little bit more rain forecast on Sunday morning, it shouldn’t be as much as there was today and with an evening to work on the track, the circuit should be in better condition with hopefully a few more lines available for passing. If that turns out to be the case, there is a very real chance that the pair will be fighting for the podium spots at this MXGP of Italy.