Source: Supplied.

Defending MXGP world champion Tim Gajser made welcomed return to the podium last weekend at Loket’s 13th stop of the series, his first since Trentino’s fifth round in Italy.

The Slovenian’s title defence hasn’t gone to plan this season, with the factory Honda HRC rider suffering multiple non-point scoring finishes, while also missing two rounds with a shoulder-blade injury.

Gajser expressed his pleasure of landing on the final spot of the podium at the Czech Republic, which was earned by recording a 1-4 results throughout Sunday’s two-moto format, while also signifying his return to form.

“I am really happy as the weekend has been really positive for me after many weekends struggling,” Gajser commented. “To now be back on the podium is great, I had a good first heat leading all the race.

“The second race I took the holeshot and for the first couple of minutes I was feeling great and then made some small mistakes, lost my rhythm and it was not easy to come back from that.

“I was struggling in the last couple of minutes. All in all, I am happy. It is the first weekend in a long time that I have enjoyed riding the bike, I am going to take all the positives from this weekend, focus on that and bring them to Lommel.

Gajser currently sits a distant fifth in the series standings, 64 points behind Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin as six rounds remain in the world championship.