Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Tim Gajser has placed a strong fourth overall at the MXGP of Latvia. Following a couple of tough rounds, the five-time world champion rebounded with a solid result courtesy of his consistent 5-4 finishes at the sandy circuit of Kegums. At the same time, Maxime Renaux had a challenging weekend at the eighth round of the series, leaving with 17th overall.
With the last two rounds of the MXGP World Championship not going Gajser’s way, the Slovenian was focused on putting those two weekends behind him in Latvia. With his seventh-place finish in the Qualifying Race ensuring a favourable gate pick, the Yamaha YZ450FM rider was looking forward to Sunday’s Grand Prix races.
Completing the opening lap of Race One in sixth, Gajser was well placed for a strong result. However, despite the track offering multiple lines, there was only one main line through many of the corners, which made passing difficult. By race end, the 29-year-old had reached fifth, with his attention quickly turning to Race Two.
Through the opening lap of the second race, Gajser was aggressive as he quickly made passes towards the front of the field. By lap six he had moved into fourth and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t quite catch the leading trio. Placing fourth secured fourth overall on the day and sees Gajser remain fourth in the championship standings.
The MXGP of Latvia proved challenging for Renaux. A huge crash in the Qualifying Race led to a poor gate pick for the Grand Prix races. Starting outside the top 20 in the opening race, the Frenchman fought through to finish 11th. Race Two started much more promisingly with him running as high as ninth until a technical issue ruled him out of the running. On the day, Renaux placed 17th and he now lies sixth in the series standings.
After a mixed day of racing at round eight of the campaign, the team return to action in two weeks’ time in Montevarchi, Italy, for round nine as the series nears its halfway stage.
