Gajser fourth in qualifying on the challenging sand in Lommel

Tim Gajser secured fourth place in qualifying for the Flanders GP in Lommel, Belgium, ahead of Sunday’s main race. The Slovenian rider, competing in the MXGP class, finished just under 40 seconds behind the leader, Dutchman Jeffrey Herlings, who dominated the session. Another Slovenian competitor, Jan Pancar, placed 20th in the qualifiers, while Herlings maintained his position at the top of the overall World Championship standings with 625 points. The qualification results highlighted the dominance of Herlings, who has been leading the championship since early in the season. His closest rival, Belgian rider Lucas Coenen, was forced to withdraw from the race due to injury, further solidifying Herlings' lead. Coenen had previously held a 68-point advantage over Herlings before sustaining an injury during the British Grand Prix. As a result, he missed subsequent races, including this weekend's event in Flanders. This absence allowed Herlings to extend his lead to 49 points heading into the race. Coenen’s injury has significantly impacted the championship race. Before his accident, he had built up a substantial lead, but with three consecutive races now missed, his chances of reclaiming the title have diminished. French rider Romain Febvre, currently second in the standings with 545 points, could potentially surpass Coenen in the overall classification after this weekend’s race. Meanwhile, Gajser holds fourth place with 496 points, maintaining his position despite the challenges posed by the competition. Pancar, however, trails far behind with 204 points, placing him 13th in the overall standings. The qualifying session took place on Saturday, with Herlings setting the fastest time. His teammate Kay de Wolf came in second, finishing 14 seconds behind the leader, while Italian rider Andrea Adamo followed in third, 36 seconds back. Gajser completed the session in fourth, slightly more than 40 seconds behind Herlings. The performance underscored the strength of the top riders, particularly Herlings, whose consistency has made him a formidable contender for the world title. The race itself will take place on Sunday, starting with the first moto at 14:15 local time, followed by the second at 17:10. The track in Lommel is known for its challenging conditions, particularly the sandy terrain, which tests both the skill and endurance of the riders. Gajser and Pancar will be among the competitors, though their positions in the overall standings suggest they face stiff competition from the leaders. Gajser’s fourth-place finish in qualifying reflects his continued presence in the upper echelon of the MXGP class, even as the championship battle intensifies. His performance in Lommel adds to his growing reputation as one of Slovenia’s premier motocross athletes. Pancar, meanwhile, continues to work toward improving his standing in the championship, though his current position indicates a long road ahead. The race in Flanders marks a critical point in the season, with the outcome likely to influence the final standings. With Coenen sidelined and Herlings in control, the focus shifts to whether Febvre can capitalize on the opportunity to close the gap in the overall classification. The results from this weekend will provide clarity on the evolving dynamics of the World Championship race.