Team HRC’s Tim Gajser heads into today’s MXGP of Portugal at Ageuda with fourth gate pick after a solid performance in qualification.

The 21-year-old Slovenian, world champion in 2016, almost went down off the start but kept it upright and after taking a tight line around the first turn slotted into fourth which he held for the full 20-minute plus two lap race duration.

“I had fun on the bike despite the track being quite rough and deep with many ruts and lines,” he said. “The line selection was particularly important! My start to the race didn’t go as planned and I found myself in the middle of the pack but then I went around everybody and got up to fourth.

“I managed to keep the pace of the riders ahead, I was feeling good so now I look forward to the two races.”