Both Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans are in confident moods ahead of the Latvia GP this weekend, the factory Honda pair coming off the back off one-one performances in their last outings.
In the case of four-time world champion Gajser, that was in the previous MXGP round in the picturesque Trentino region in Italy, where the Slovenian dominated proceedings in front of thousands of fans who crossed the border to support their national hero.
Gajser then took last weekend off, in order to keep himself fresh for this sixth round of a championship where he has already won four overalls.
However, Australian star Evans is looking to continue racing himself into shape so decided to compete in the French Championship at Castelnau-de-Levis, which he then won both motos convincingly, to give himself a nice confidence boost heading into this world championship event.
Known as being sandy on top, with a hard base, the Kegums track always provides a difficult test for riders as they try to get to grips with the terrain, but having raced in Latvia multiple times in the past couple of years, combined with the two-day format, the Honda CRF450R pair should be comfortable by the gate drops for the two motos on Sunday (Monday morning NZ time).
“Since Trentino, I kept up my training both on and off the bike,” said Gajser.
“Having learnt from last year, I don’t want to over-do things, especially at this early stage of the season.
“Obviously, the previous MXGP went really well, getting my first one-one of the season and just having a great time riding my Honda CRF450R in front of so many of my fans. It is always good to see and hear them, and I can’t thank them enough for cheering me on.
“Latvia has some good and bad memories for me, but I’m focusing on the positives, including winning last year, and I’m looking to just continue how I’ve been riding so far this year and go out there and enjoy myself.”
Photo courtesy Honda
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STANDINGS AFTER FIVE ROUNDS
MXGP – World Championship top 10 after round five:
1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 236 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 203 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 184 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 160 p.; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 141 p.; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, HUS), 126 p.; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 126 p.; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 125 p.; 9. Alberto Forato (ITA, GAS), 94 p.; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 82 p.
MX2 – World Championship top 10 after round five:
1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 208 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 194 p.; 3. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 169 p.; 4. Simon Längenfelder (GER, GAS), 154 p.; 5. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 150 p.; 6. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, GAS), 138 p.; 7. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KAW), 136 p.; 8. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GAS), 133 p.; 9. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 116 p.; 10. Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 111 p.