Source: Supplied.

Words: Adam Wheeler.

Honda presented a strong line-up for the first ever Supermotocross Riders’ Cup at the Veltins Arena on 8 October last weekend at the Grand Prix of Belgium.

The announcement that Tim Gajser, Evgeny Bobryshev and Gautier Paulin will steer their CRF450RWs at the ‘indoor’ motocross invitational increased speculation that Gajser will make the switch from the Honda Gariboldi team to part of the official HRC set-up in 2017.

The champion-elect (a lead of 103 points over Tony Cairoli in MXGP with just 200 left to win and far more race wins to his name) has made no secret of his desire to head to AMA supercross competition but it is almost certain that the 19 year old has been persuaded to spend the next season of a multi-year deal with HRC in MXGP and grand prix in 2017.

Paulin is apparently all-but confirmed alongside Max Nagl at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna next season and Honda see the transfer of Gajser and his family unit (his father and brother work as Gajser’s trainer and assistant) as the easiest move with Bobryshev slotted in place for a seventh term with the HRC collective.

HRC entertained outgoing racing manger Shuhei Nakamoto and incoming replacement Tetsuhiro Kuwata at Lommel and Honda’s motocross priority is to organise the Gariboldi line-up if the transfer of Gajser takes place. It is unclear whether the MX2 championship winning team, now also sponsored by Monster Energy after originally bearing the drinks brand back in 2009 until 2011, will focus on the MX2 class solely.