Honda HRC and Tim Gajser part ways after record-breaking partnership
Tim Gajser ‘s time with Honda HRC is coming to an end after 12 years. It has been a record-breaking partnership between the Slovenian rider and the Japanese manufacturer.
‘Tiga 243’ as Tim Gajser is affectionately known to his legion of fans worldwide, has been a consistent challenger since joining the team in 2014.
He racked up podiums, race wins, GP wins and championships at an unprecedented rate. Additionally, Tim Gajser moved himself to the top of a legendary list of riders. These riders have been privileged to go racing for HRC.
As a young amateur, #243, Tim Gajser, had enjoyed plenty of success, including a European and World 125cc championship victory. However, after a tough transition to the four-stroke machinery in 2013, few could have predicted the success he’d have in the next 12 years.
Giacomo Gariboldi saw something special.
He made the decision to work with this youngster from the Slovenian countryside. The first season with the team saw Tim Gajser gradually improve throughout the year. He eventually took a couple of moto wins at the end of the season and showed everyone his potential. Perhaps in 2015 we’d really see the best of the #243, Tim Gajser, as he continued his racing career.
After a couple of tough rounds, Gajser took his first MX2 GP win at the 2015 MXGP of Trentino. This venue would become known as his ‘home’ track. However, it wasn’t until mid-season when he really caught fire and asserted his dominance on the series. He was crowned champion in emotional scenes at the final round in Glen Helen. This announced his status and the return of HRC to the world stage.
Continuing that momentum into 2016, together with the team, Gajser made the brave decision to move up to the MXGP class.
He aimed to make it back-to-back championships as a rookie. A one-one performance in Qatar at the opening round immediately vindicated that decision, with Tim Gajser showing remarkable prowess. Solid results throughout the campaign showed his consistency. This included seven moto wins out of eight during one period.
2017 started well but was derailed by injury. Meanwhile, 2018 was the toughest of his career as he struggled to overcome a pre-season crash. In fact, when Tim Gajser won the 2019 MXGP of Trentino, it had been almost 19 months since he’d stood on top of the podium. However, his season took off after that. Seven GP wins in a row solidified his third title three rounds before the end of the season. Slovenians invaded Imola, Italy, in jubilant scenes.
Covid-19 affected the 2020 season, but that didn’t stop the #243.
He won his fourth championship by over 100 points. He had a strong run of form that saw him win five of the latter rounds in the series. Tim Gajser, a key player, included a couple more victories in Trentino. By the end of it, Gajser was just 20 points away from adding another title after a three-way battle.
In the preseason of 2023, Gajser suffered a nasty crash that ruled him out for the majority of the year. However, Tim Gajser still managed to win two GPs at the end of the season. He set himself up nicely for an assault on the 2024 title, which he only narrowly missed out on by 10 points after a season-long duel.
In 2025, it did look like a sixth title would get added after dominating the first five rounds of the series.
However, an unfortunate incident in Switzerland meant Tim Gajser had to bow out of the championship battle. His last GP victory for HRC came fittingly at the Pietramurata venue, surrounded by thousands of his fans.
Everyone associated with Honda and HRC would like to thank Tim for all his efforts. He contributed both on and off the racetrack and was such an important part of the brand’s history. He leaves as the winningest rider in the team’s history. HRC truly wishes him the best with his future endeavours.
Tim Gajser’s Honda Career in Numbers
- 4x MXGP World Championships
- 1x MX2 World Championships
- 47x MXGP Overall wins
- 5x MX2 Overall wins
- 116x Race wins
- 125x Podiums
- 2x Motocross of Nations class wins
Marcus Pereira de Freitas
HRC General Manager – MXGP
It has been a privilege to have worked with Tim all these years and to see him grow as a person, as well as a rider. He has gone through a lot of difficult times, but each time he does, he comes out stronger and better prepared and I think that has shown throughout the amazing time he has had with Honda and HRC. He joined us as a talented boy, with a lot of potential but it shows his character that he leaves us as a five-time world champion. He has made friends with everyone on the team, and I think everyone will be sad to see him leave, but this is motocross and sometimes this happens, so now we all wish him the very best in the future, whatever that brings.