In one of the most competitive eras in motocross history, for Gajser to make it three championships in four years is an amazing achievement, and like his previous titles, his ability to wrap it up early takes all the pressure off these last two rounds, giving him a great chance to add to his already unmatchable 13 race wins and eight overall GP victories. And having won the last GP to be held at the St Jean D’Angely track, in 2019, he is really looking forward to getting back to winning ways in front of what is sure to be a packed hillside of French fans.
For teammate Mitch Evans, Finland certainly wasn’t his best outing but he is now channelling that frustration into some positive energy for these last two rounds of the season. Setting himself a goal of getting on the podium in 2022, the Australian has put in some really good rides, without gaining the rewards he deserved. Now though, he is determined to put that right, and that starts this weekend where he will be looking to show-off his speed at every opportunity.
In what is the third of three back-to-back rounds, the hard-pack hilly venue of St Jean D’Angely always provides entertainment for the passionate French supporters who line themselves up all around this historic track. And when the gate-drops on Sunday 21st August, Team HRC will be hoping that they’ll be two Honda CRF450Rs up the front of the field, battling for victory.
Tim Gajser
"After winning the championship last weekend, I feel like a lot of the pressure has gone and I can concentrate on just the races, rather than the whole points situation. So, I hope for France this weekend and the final round in Turkey, I can get back to winning ways and add to my eight overall victories so far in 2022. The response after winning the title has been amazing, and I just want to thank everyone for all their messages. I still can’t believe it was my fifth title and I’m so thankful to have all the support from my team, and from all the fans around the world."
Mitch Evans
"Finland really didn’t go my way, but I’m still feeling good about these last two rounds and that’s what I’m putting all of my effort into. I really want to get a podium before the end of the season so that’s what I’ll looking for in St Jean D’Angely this weekend. I also want to say a big congratulations to my teammate Tim for winning the championship in Finland. Being with him every weekend, I know first-hand how much work he puts in, so he fully deserves it."
Marcus Pereira de Freitas - HRC General Manager - MXGP
"It was awesome for Tim to win the title with two rounds still to race, he’s done so well all year and it’s amazing what he’s been able to accomplish in his career. Five world titles at his age puts him up there with the very best of our sport and he still has plenty of time to climb even higher. It is a pleasure to work alongside him and we all hope he can add to even more championships under the Team HRC awning. Now we are focused on him and Mitch doing as best they can in St Jean D’Angely this weekend, and we are confident they can both be successful."