HRC Honda goes to Uddevalla when Sweden returns to the MXGP calendar
MXGP of Sweden returns to the World Motocross Championship after a two-year absence, to give Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans a chance to get back to their high performance levels after a tough event last time out in Lommel, Belgium.
With just four rounds remaining in this 2022 campaign, Gajser sits in a commanding position, 122 points ahead of his nearest rival and excited to finish the season strongly. The deep sand in Lommel was not kind to the #243, but he is looking to bounce back with a good result in Uddevalla, Sweden, a venue he has won at previously in 2017 (MXGP) and 2015 (MX2). Having missed the Covid-affected seasons, the scenic track just north of Gothenburg should see plenty of fans come out to cheer on the Honda riders and they will both look to respond by challenging for the podium again.
Evans rode in third place for the majority of the Lommel qualifying race, but a crash a couple of laps from the end saw him drop down the field, and although he was able to clear the first half of moto one in 13th, then had to retire the racetrack. It was decided for him not to line up in race two and instead give himself the best chance to recover for this round in Sweden, where he should feel much better and where he should be able to get back to the form that saw him make six strong consecutive finishes in the three previous races.
With the good weather in Europe looking set to remain, the Uddevalla track should be in top condition, and with two years to work on everything before the next race, the facilities should also maintain their usual high standard as they welcome the best riders in the world. As with all events this year, the championship is back to a two-day format with free and timed practice followed by a qualifying race on Saturday, and then a morning warm-up and the two motos on Sunday afternoon.
Tim Gajser 243
The last few weeks I just wanted to get back to normal and just try to enjoy my riding. Last time in Lommel wasn’t the best and it was disappointing then, but I can’t change that now, I just have to go out and perform in Sweden and I feel confident that I can make it happen. I enjoy Uddevalla and it’s nice to go back there after a few years off, and I’m excited to ride in front of my Scandinavian fans again.
Mitch Evans 43
It seems like just like I’m making some progress, something happens and I have to regroup and put my head down and work even harder to get back what I had. Everything went so well in the qualifying race in Lommel, but now I’ve had to recover a bit and just let my body recover and try to get back to that level again for Sweden. I’m looking forward to going there and going well and just putting in the results I know I’m capable of. I feel like I’ve been very close to doing that and I’m confident that I can finish this season strong.
Marcus Pereira de Freitas
HRC General Manager – MXGP
It has certainly been a challenging season, filled with many good rounds, but also some tough rounds and most recently in Lommel it was a struggle. But the good thing is that both Tim and Mitch are positive people so they won’t let it affect them, and they will both be very motivated to do well this weekend in Sweden. The team also ensure that everything is perfect for them, just as it has been all year and I am extremely proud of the level they have maintained so far. We have four rounds left and we all want to do well at each event.
Words: HRC Honda
Image: Photographed by Bavo