The first round of the MXGP World Championship kicked off this weekend at the Orlyonok Circuit, in Russia. Just a week after picking up his podium position at the British Championship in Canada Heights, Todd made the journey East to Russia.
With a compacted race schedule, all the racing took place in one day, with qualifying results being taken from timed practice, in which Todd came 13th.
A collision from another rider would see the Australian fall in race one, making things more difficult as he fought to come through the pack and would eventually finish in 16th. Since having his arm pump surgery, things have definitely improved for Todd but has come at a cost of fitness while he recovered. The season is long and has only just begun, so improvements will be made over the year, but speed and technique remain strong. A 14th in race two would see the number 20 finish in fourteenth position, taking away 12 points from Round 1.
The next round of the MXGP World Championship will be the teams home Grand Prix on the 27th June at Matterley Basin.
Wilson Todd: “First GP done, and I took away 14th. That might not sound great but considering I have only ridden once in over a month it’s not so bad! I’m lacking a little bit of fitness at the moment but I feel confident we will be right back on track and I have lots to improve and gain on. I think getting the operation came at a bad time, but definitely worthwhile in the long run.”
Steve Dixon: With Taylor missing Russia for his finger injury, and Wilson coming back from his army surgery I decided it best to stay here and work on the British GP for next weekend. Jordan and Wilson did a great job on their own. With only a small amount of bike time in the last month due to his surgery, a 14th is very encouraging. Moving into the British GP next weekend we can hopefully see an improvement in their fitness.”
Words: Dixon Racing
Images: Ray Archer
