Solid performances from Fernandez and the returning Gajser at Loket

Team HRC’s duo of Ruben Fernandez and Tim Gajser put in a solid day of work in the brutally hot conditions at the MXGP of Czech Republic, finishing fourth and sixth respectively in the qualification race. Earlier in the day the pair went one and two in the timed practice session, giving everyone a glimpse of just how fast the Team HRC riders are, and what could be in the store for the rest of the class in this 2023 season.

On his return after a 10-month absence from the GPs, reigning MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser showed his travelling supporters that speed isn’t a problem as he laid down a time that no-one could match in timed-practice. His time was 0.7 seconds ahead of teammate Fernandez and showed that the month he has spent riding after his recovery from the broken femur, has been well spent, and that his return was perfectly scheduled. At Loket, the start is critical and the #243 was understandably a bit rusty getting out the gate, but he was still able to work his way into sixth place, which is where he stayed for the duration of the moto. It was a solid return, without any major incidents and one that gives a lot of hope that he is already close to being back to his championship-winning best.

For Fernandez, he continued his excellent form with a fourth place, battling with the rider in front for a podium position before eventually having to settle for seven points. As always, passing was at a premium and the Spaniard just wasn’t able to make any moves stick on the slick hard-pack terrain, but it was still a good effort and gives him belief that with a slightly better start, he can hold his own and get back on the podium once again.

Temperatures should be a bit kinder tomorrow, but the track layout will still continue to challenge the best motocross riders on the planet as Fernandez and Gajser try to garner as many points as possible in the two GP points-scoring motos. While Gajser has nothing but pride at stake, Fernandez is right in the hunt for third place in the 2023 MXGP Championship and he’ll be trying his best to make that happen in this 12^th round of the campaign.