Tim Gajser (Yamaha) ends the season due to a rib injury

Slovenian Yamaha factory rider Tim Gajser will not be taking part in the season’s two remaining Grands Prix in China and Australia. The rib injury he sustained in Arnhem worsened so much last weekend in Turkey that he decided to pull out and will not be competing in either Shanghai or Darwin (Australia).

Already experiencing problems in Turkey

Despite increasing discomfort, Gajser had scored 40 World Championship points with a 2-4 result at last weekend’s MXGP of Türkiye in Afyonkarahisar, finishing fourth overall. He returned to Slovenia this week and was examined by a specialist.The examination revealed that the injury had worsened as a result of racing in Turkey. Gajser therefore decided to end the season early and focus entirely on his recovery. The Yamaha factory team supports this decision.

Possible implications for the World Championship outcome

Gajser’s withdrawal has no impact on the outcome of the World Championship. He sits in third place with 659 points, 40 points behind Romain Febvre in second. To make any significant improvement in the final races, he would have to hope for Febvre to drop out. There is no threat from behind. Lucas Coenen, who has dropped back to fourth place, is also out of the running, whilst Andrea Adamo, in fifth place, trails Gajser by 100 points. Theoretically, the Italian could still make up this deficit with a maximum of 120 points still up for grabs, but given the current state of play, that seems rather unlikely. Tom Vialle, in fifth place, trails Gajser by 110 points. The Frenchman recently battled with Herlings for victory: if he wins the remaining races (possibly with Herlings’ help), he could still overtake Gajser in the end.

MXoN participation uncertain

Gajser, as the spearhead of the Slovenian team in the MXGP, has been nominated for the Motocross of Nations. Whether he will be able to compete in Ernée on 4 October is currently uncertain.

MXGP World Championship standings after Round 17 of 19

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 855 points

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, 699, (-156)

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Yamaha, 659, (-196)

4. Lucas Coenen (B), KTM, 566, (-289)

5. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, 559, (-296)

6. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, 545, (-310)

7. Ruben Fernandez (E), Honda, 523, (-332)

8. Maxime Renaux (F), Yamaha, 449, (-406)

9. Kay de Wolf (NL), Husqvarna, 428, (-427)

10. Pauls Jonass (LV), Kawasaki, 366, (-489)

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