Tim Gajser interview on Lose for Red Plate at MXGP of China: A Tough Day in Shanghai

The 2024 MXGP season took a dramatic turn at the opening moto of the MXGP of China, as Tim Gajser, who had held the red plate since Round 9 in Latvia, experienced a series of misfortunes that cost him his championship lead. Despite a valiant effort in the second race, Gajser finished the day seven points behind new championship leader Jorge Prado, with the title battle heading into its final round in Spain in just two weeks’ time.

A Nightmare Start for Gajser

The first moto in Shanghai proved to be a disaster for Gajser. After a less-than-ideal start, he was involved in a second-turn crash that immediately left him at the back of the pack. From there, the Slovenian rider displayed his trademark resilience, charging through the field in an attempt to recover lost positions. However, things took another turn for the worse when he was involved in a second incident that left him in 15th place.

Despite the setback, Gajser continued to push forward, picking off riders one by one. But the damage from the second crash, both physical and mechanical, was too

much to overcome. With his bike suffering damage, Gajser had no choice but to cruise to a 17th-place finish. This result meant he lost the virtual red plate for the first time since Latvia, slipping to a deficit of four points heading into the second moto of the day.

A Strong Comeback in Race 2

For the second race, Gajser needed a strong performance to minimize the damage to his championship hopes. And that’s exactly what he delivered. The Slovenian got a much better start, quickly moving into second place. Though he applied pressure on the leader, Jorge Prado, throughout the race, Gajser could not find a way to pass the Spaniard. Despite his best efforts, he had to settle for second place, finishing behind Prado, who claimed the overall victory.

While Gajser’s second-place finish in race 2 was a solid recovery, it wasn’t enough to hold onto the red plate. As a result, Prado took over the championship lead, with a seven-point advantage over Gajser as the series heads into its final round in Spain.

Reflecting on a Challenging Day

Despite the disappointment of losing the red plate, Gajser was gracious in his reflections on the day’s events. Speaking to MXGP journalist Lorenzo Resta, Gajser admitted that the crashes in the opening moto were a huge blow to his title hopes but emphasized that he would not give up the fight.

“It’s been a tough day,” Gajser said. “The first race was a disaster with the crashes, but I tried my best in the second moto. Jorge was strong, and I couldn’t make the pass, but I’ll keep pushing until the end. I know we can still do it in Spain.”

The Title Fight Heading to Spain

With just one round remaining in the 2024 MXGP season, the battle for the championship is now more intense than ever. Jorge Prado’s win in China gives him a seven-point lead over Gajser, and with the final round set for the Spanish circuit, the pressure is on both riders to deliver in front of their home fans.

For Gajser, the loss of the red plate marks a difficult moment in his campaign, but his determination and experience make him a formidable contender. As the championship battle heads to Spain, Gajser will no doubt be looking to bounce back and reclaim the red plate for the final push toward the 2024 title.

The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, with Gajser and Prado ready to leave it all on the track in the final round of the MXGP season.