Interview: Tim Gajser – “Each race I feel better and better on the Yamaha”

Tim Gajser marked a significant milestone in his MXGP career at Arco di Trento, securing his first moto victory on Yamaha machinery and finishing second overall despite battling broken ribs. The Slovenian rider demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, pushing through considerable pain to claim the win in the second moto. His performance not only highlighted his competitive spirit but also underscored his growing synergy with Yamaha, signalling a promising trajectory as he adapts to his new team environment. Gajser revealed the physical challenges he faced throughout the weekend, admitting that riding with broken ribs was intensely painful and limited his training in the lead-up to the event. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of his physio team, he managed to manage the discomfort and maintain a competitive pace. Despite these setbacks, he remained focused and strategic, particularly in the second moto where he applied pressure on race leader Lucas, capitalising on a mistake to take the lead and ultimately secure the victory. The Slovenian star also reflected on his evolving relationship with Yamaha, emphasising the ongoing work and testing that has helped him feel increasingly comfortable with the bike. He acknowledged that there is still room for improvement but expressed optimism about the upcoming four-week break, which he believes will provide a valuable opportunity for recovery and further development. Gajser’s commitment to refining his performance through continuous testing and adaptation demonstrates his determination to return stronger in the latter part of the season. During the break, Gajser plans to maintain his race rhythm by participating in at least one Italian championship event, aiming to balance training and competition carefully to avoid overexertion. He also spoke about his recent training stint in Belgium and the Netherlands, where he familiarised himself with challenging sand tracks and appreciated the support infrastructure provided by his team. Throughout the weekend, Gajser was buoyed by the passionate support of the fans, whose energy provided a crucial boost as he battled through pain to deliver a memorable performance.