Published on 29 February 2020

Gajser and Harrup on taking pole at the British GP

Due to the weather, it was the old fashioned timed qualifying in place to decide pole position on a difficult rutted  Matterley Basin circuit, especially for the MXGP class when the rain came down hard. Defending world champ Tim Gajser went quickest in the premier class despite precipitation while surprise package Mikkel Haarup took pole in the drier MX2 session but admitted even he didn’t expect to quickest!

Tim Gajser: It was not easy to ride, it was a bit dangerous but I tried to do a quick lap as soon as possible because I knew that track was going to get wetter and it was going to be (more) difficult to make a fast lap. So I did the first few laps, it was difficult to ride, I got cold also in the fingers, I think everybody got cold. It was strange but it was okay, it was the same for everyone.

I really like this track when it is in perfect condition, we will see tomorrow how the weather is going to be. I think the start is going to be key, when the track is wet it’s important to get in front and not get roosted.

Mikkel Haarup: It was not expected to be honest. I just came here to do good riding, of course we knew we were quick but the main goal was not to be the quickest. I was just doing all I could, the track was very difficult. I think everybody was a little bit tight because it was the first round and we didn’t get much time on the track so everybody was pushing from the beginning. I managed to do a few good laps and find a good rhythm.

I will do my best to be up there (tomorrow), the main thing will be the start and yeah, let’s hopefully we will have some good battles this season and I will just take it step by step.

Image: Gino Maes