Wet weather dampens hopes of a podium for HRC

After weather hampered the MXGP classes opportunity to put in a qualifying race Saturday, both HRC MXGP riders Gajser and Bobryshev had high hopes of a better day of racing aboard their CRF450RWs.

With no rain falling overnight as had been feared, the track had settled slightly meaning that the riders could take to the gate to fight for those all-important championship points.

Both HRC MXGP riders opted to do a sighting lap in order to assess the ever-changing race lines and state of the track with others opting out so as to save their tyres for a better start off of the new metal grid. As it happens this would be key to how the race played out for the HRC duo.

As the gate dropped, Gajser was in the top five and pushing for a top three position. Within a few corners of the track he had worked his way into second place after battling with Desalle and this is where he stayed for the majority of the race. A third of the way through it was soon apparent that the strenuous nature of the track was taking its toll on Gajser. He made a few costly mistakes which exhausted the Slovenian and swiftly cut his opportunity of a podium finish in Indonesia.

Bobryshev, who openly admits he is not a ‘mud rider’, started well with an early push for a position within the top five. Despite the conditions not being in his favour, he was consistent and rode within his means which secured him a ninth-place finish on the day.

Just as the riders were preparing for their second race, Youthstream made the decision to cancel the second race. The state of the track had deteriorated in a way that became irreparable, so HRC riders Gajser and Bobryshev were left without an opportunity to improve their overall result.

With a promising qualifying race under his belt yesterday, Cervellin was optimistic heading into today's race. As the gate dropped for the first race his optimism was short lived as he went down in the third corner which immediately set him to the back of the pack. Digging himself out of the mud Cervellin spent the rest of his race working his way back from last position to 19th as he crossed the line. It was a stunning ride in such challenging conditions. Cervellin's luck was out as his glory of this achievement was short lived after he was disqualified for cutting the track. He had slid off the side of a jump and had rejoined a little later than was permitted.

As Cervellin got ready to line up for the second MX2 race, it rained torrentially which immediately soddened the already suffering track. It was clear it was going to be a challenge to get round but not to be deterred by this Cervellin rode a strategic race and as red flagged was issued he crossed the line in ninth.

Notsuka had a difficult day in all aspects. In the first race he had a solid start and he seemed to be fairly at home in the mud, battling for points positions. After putting in a strong first half of the race he became wedged within one of the deepest ruts of the track and the soft mud swallowed the bike. By the time Notsuka had been hoisted out of the pit, it was too late to gain any positions and he crossed the line in 30th. As the second race got underway Notsuka was keen to ride consistently to gain some much wanted championship points. The treacherous conditions within the first ten minutes of the race caused Notsuka to retire early.

The series takes a break now for a week and the next MX2 race will be in Argentina on the 19th March.

Tim Gajser

It was a bit of a mess this weekend to be honest. With all the mud and the rain, I am quite happy I have taken solid points from this weekend. The first race felt like it was a case of surviving the race it wasn't ‘racing’. I felt like I was normal for the first 10-15 minutes, I was in second place and almost catching the leader and then I just suddenly destroyed myself and I am not really sure why or how it happened, I just didn't feel my best. I just ride until the end to get points. Overall I am not actually that happy with the weekend and my results overall but sometimes the bad races are not so bad and we have a chance to have a break and get ready for a better race in Argentina.

Evgeny Bobryshev

It was a very difficult weekend for me. Indonesia is not what I expected that it would be. I have had difficulties with the food, the heat and everything here and unfortunately on-top of that we had wet weather which has made the track really sticky with deep ruts. I have never ridden anything like this in all my career. It is normal here for it to rain though as it is the wet season.
I made the best of the first race, I crashed twice and managed to get it to ninth. I was not riding well in the mud, I struggle with it and I am not one of the fastest. I am really pleased the FIM and Youthstream cancelled the second race because it would be dangerous for us to go out there. I have to say a big thanks to HRC and everyone who worked on everything over the weekend as it was a lot to take on in those conditions. I am happy to go back, have a break and get ready for Argentina.