Honda Announces 2018 MXGP Teams
Cycle News Staff | November 6, 2017
Honda Announces 2018 MXGP Teams – Honda used the EICMA Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy, to announce its HRC MXGP and MX2 Team for 2018.
Honda Announces 2018 MXGP Teams
The only returning rider will be 2016 MXGP Champion Tim Gajser. The Slovenian hopes to win back the number-one plate next year.
“It’s great to stay with HRC into 2018 for another—we’ve already been a long time on this journey together and I’m so happy to continue,” said Gajser. “For 2018, I have new teammates which is something new to me—we are all young guys in the team and I think that’s going to be good as we’re all hungry for the challenge together. I’m really excited for the year ahead; we’re fit and ready to go again. It’s a pleasure too to be at EICMA with the rest of the family – the MotoGP guys, Dakar and the Trial team. It’s a really strong family to be part of!”
Honda Announces 2018 MXGP Teams
New to the MXGP team is 21-year-old Dutchman Brian Bogers who is moving over from the Honda-supported HSF Motorsport team.
“It’s like a dream come true for me to be part of the HRC family,” said Bogers. “Every time I walk through the paddock it’s not possible to miss Honda and the setup they have, and I’ve always thought about the chance to join this family, and now I’m also part of it. I’m so excited to get on the bike—it looks amazing and when you see how Tim is riding it; I can’t wait to get 2018 started. I’ve already been in the same team as Tim, in 2009, so it’s cool to be joining him again for next season, along with Calvin.”
Honda Announces 2018 MXGP Teams
South African Calvin Viaanderen will head Honda’s effort in MX2. He too comes from the HSF Motorsports squad.
“It’s unbelievable to be standing here today with all the other HRC guys being part of the factory team,” said Viaanderen. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a factory team since I was a kid, and now that the dream has come true it’s incredible. I’m so excited to get on the new bike—I’ve seen pictures and heard things from different people and apparently it’s unbelievable, so I’m so excited. I couldn’t sleep last night looking forward to today’s announcement and starting to test tomorrow!”