Paulin and Gajser make double Honda podium
By TMX Archives on 20th Jun 16
Team HRCs Gautier Paulin joined Honda Gariboldis Tim Gajser on the podium at the MXGP of Great Britain, marking Hondas third consecutive double-podium. And it was so nearly an all-Honda podium, too.
In race one Evgeny Bobryshev was the fast starter, emerging from the first corner in the lead on his CRF450RW.
The Russian then set about building a lead for himself of six seconds and the field scrapped behind him. At the midway point it became a Honda vs. Honda battle as Tim Gajser made the pass for second and gave himself clear air and the #777 as a target.
Bobby was strong, and before Tim's charge had set the fastest lap of the race, but unfortunately in the last ten minutes was forced to change the way he was riding a little, which led to him slightly over-jumping one jump, landing in the ruts and missing the corner, jumping out of the track. He was able to remain upright and quickly re-join, but the episode cost him two positions, and he slipped to fourth by the flag.
Gautier Paulin meanwhile resisted pressure from van Horebeek to maintain what was quite a lonely fifth position, but in race two the Frenchman started strongly and slotted into third, giving him third position overall in the Grand Prix and his second podium of the season.
Gajser took the overall win, whilst Bobby's fifth in race two put him in fourth overall, and just two points adrift of the podium.
