Tim Gajser tops opening MXGP moto in Trentino

Defending champion and series leader Tim Gajser (Team HRC) dominated the opening MXGP moto this morning at the MXGP of Trentino, coming home almost eight seconds clear of title rival Tony Cairoli (Red Bull KTM) and over half-a-minute ahead of third-placed Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha).
The Slovenian reacted quickest at the start of the 30-minute plus two lap race to take the holeshot and was never headed on the Italian hard-pack, at one point leading eight-time champ Cairoli by over 10 seconds before backing it off in the closing stages.
“I was enjoying it a lot,” said Gajser. “I take a good start and Tony was behind me so I pushed from the beginning and when I had a comfortable lead I started to control the race.”
The result extends Gajser’s lead to 77 points with just five points-paying motos left to run this season.
A late pass on his team-mate Arnaud Tonus gave Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Yamaha) fourth with Clement Desalle (Monster Energy Kawasaki) picking up sixth in the closing stages.
The moto was a washout as far as British interests were concerned with REVO-supported Dylan Walsh (JM Racing Honda) dropping to 21st after running towards the front early on and both Evgeny Bobryshev (PAR Homes RFX Husqvarna) and Adam Sterry (Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee) failing to finish.