Superb double podium for HRC riders in ‘red weekend’ in Spain
It was a red weekend in Talavera de la Reina as Honda’s factory CRF riders took a double podium and made it three in the top five at the MXGP of Spain.
Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser dominated the weekend on the #243 CRF450RW, whilst Gautier Paulin made a return to the podium with two fantastic races to finish third overall. Evgeny Bobryshev also enjoyed a consistent weekend to finish sixth and fifth for fifth overall on the #777 machine.
Gautier Paulin made a great start in race one, slotting into second from the first corner. After the pack shuffled in the opening lap, he found himself in fourth, but settled into a rhythm to chase down Clement Desalle in third, whilst resisting pressure from Toni Cairoli behind in a three way battle for third.
Nipping at the heels of that battle was Evgeny Bobryshev who climbed from ninth at the start to finish sixth, just out of reach of the group ahead of him.
In race two, again there were three Hondas in the top four from the start, and the order quickly settled with Gajser taking the lead from Max Nagl and Paulin slotting into third ahead of Bobby in fourth. As another four-bike battle for third developed, Gautier dug deep to resist pressure from Romain Febvre whilst the Frenchman got ahead of Bobby with two laps to go.
Honda extends its lead of the Manufacturers’ Championship, whilst Gajser extends his lead of the World Championship.
Gautier Paulin 21
“I’m really happy to be riding again after the injury and enjoying my time on the bike, having fun and to be on the podium again. I couldn't believe I could have two good races like that because I was still feeling tired, and I think I pushed more mentally than physically because my condition is missing a little because I haven’t been able to train like I want during my recovery. Yesterday the track was more rough and I set the best lap time because I could make speed more with my technical side than physical. But we are getting stronger and stronger again with more time on the bike, so I’m really enjoying this moment.”
Evgeny Bobryshev 777
“To finish fifth overall after a couple of consistent races is good, and we collected more points this weekend, but to be honest I’m a little frustrated and disappointed. I just didn’t gel with this track this weekend. In the second race I was following Gautier and trying to pass him, but it’s tight and twisty which I don’t like so much and I just couldn’t make it work. But I’m really happy for Gautier and want to congratulate him to come back strongly and stand on the podium today after missing some races this season. Honestly I didn’t have so much fun this weekend, but considering that fifth and another 31 points is good.”
Roger Harvey
“It’s been a really great weekend in Spain and the boys have all ridden very well. Tim was superb in topping the sheets in every session, and it was fantastic to see three Hondas in the top four from the starts, as well as David taking both holeshots on the 250, and to have three bikes in the top five overall from the Grand Prix. At the halfway point of the season we now lead the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ World Championships, so although there is a long way to go we’re in a strong position.”
Race 1
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Race 2
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Rider standings
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Location Information
CM-4102, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain - View in Google Maps
