Despite missing the opening round through injury, Team HRC’s 2016 world champion Tim Gajser now sits eighth in the series standings after solid five-four finishes at yesterday’s MXGP of Russia, round six of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

The 21-year-old Slovenian was looking good for a podium finish in race two as he chased overall winner Clement Desalle but was passed by Romain Febvre with one lap to go. He fought back and retook third but then slipped off which allowed the Frenchman through.

“I’m quite disappointed honestly as I’ve lost third place in race two with only half-a-lap to go,” he said. “But that’s motocross – sometimes it can be a tough sport but the important thing is to pick yourself up and move forward.

“In any case, the speed was there – I just need to work a bit harder on the fitness side. I feel good nevertheless, we are slowly coming back to where we belong. I just want to give a huge thanks to my team because the bike was really perfect. I enjoyed the track and the crowd was great so I can say I had a good time here.”