Tim Gajser took an incredible debut victory at the MXGP of Qatar this evening, winning both motos and setting the fastest lap in the second to highlight a dominant weekend.
The opening grand prix of the 2016 season was also the first for Gajser aboard the CRF450RW as the reigning MX2 World Champion graduated to the bigger bikes. The Slovenian has long favoured the 450cc machine for his training, and had expected to run well in MXGP this season, but even he was pleasantly surprised with the dominance of his form at the Losail track.
Throughout the weekend the #243 Honda Gariboldi machine was at the front of the timesheets: 3rd in free practice, fourth in timed practice, 2nd in the qualifying race completed by a duo of wins today. In doing so, he also becomes the youngest rookie to win an MXGP Grand Prix, turning just 19 in September last year.
It means that, going into the second round at Thailand this coming weekend, the MX2 World Champion starts his 2016 campaign by leading the MXGP World Championship.