Tim Gajser secured a third-place finish at the MXGP season opener in Cordoba, Argentina, while Ruben Fernandez faced setbacks due to a crash. Valerio Lata and Ferruccio Zanchi also struggled, both falling during the qualification race. Despite difficulties, all riders are eager to improve in the following motos.
Tim Gajser of Honda HRC commenced the 2025 MXGP World Championships with a commendable third-place finish during the Saturday qualification at the newly established Cordoba circuit in Argentina. After achieving the fastest time in free practice, he maintained his performance with a second-place finish in the timed session, leading to a favorable start in the qualification race where he initially positioned himself in second place. Although he faced some setbacks by allowing a third-place rider to overtake him, he eventually secured a comfortable third position.
Conversely, Ruben Fernandez also representing Honda CRF450R encountered difficulties, finishing with only one point after a minor crash while in fifth place, hindering his chance to contend more closely with the frontrunners. Fernandez had qualified fourth in timed practice, showcasing his potential, and he aims to translate that speed into success during the two GP-scoring races scheduled for tomorrow.
Unfortunately, fellow Honda HRC riders Ferruccio Zanchi and Valerio Lata faced a challenging day as both encountered falls during the qualifying race, despite having performed well in timed practice. Lata’s fall occurred shortly after the start, resulting in him finishing 16th after battling back from a poor position. Zanchi, who had successfully maneuvered into the top ten, also fell after veering slightly off the track, necessitating his withdrawal from the race; however, he remains optimistic about his prospects for the next day.
As the season begins, all four riders acknowledge the need for improvement and are hopeful for better performances in the upcoming races. Gajser expressed his desire to develop a good rhythm and aims to engage in a competitive battle for the win. Fernandez noted his frustration with the crash but also praised the track’s quality, while Lata and Zanchi expressed disappointment in their performances and are determined to enhance their results in the next motos.
Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager for MXGP, remarked on the challenges presented by the season opener and expressed confidence in the riders’ abilities to perform better moving forward. He commended the Cordoba track but acknowledged the pressures of competition, particularly during the first race. Freitas remains hopeful that favorable weather will contribute to a remarkable performance from the riders in the next event.
In summary, the opening day of the 2025 MXGP World Championships was marked by both achievements and setbacks for the Honda HRC riders at the Cordoba circuit. Tim Gajser secured a solid third place, while Ruben Fernandez battled through difficulties. The day proved particularly challenging for Valerio Lata and Ferruccio Zanchi, who faced falls during the qualifying race. Nonetheless, all four riders are poised to improve their performances in the upcoming races, underlining their determination to succeed this season.
Original Source: gatedrop.com
