World champion Gajser opens motocross season with second place

"I was ill, today and yesterday I wasn't in the best shape and it didn't feel right on the motorbike.

"Nevertheless, it went relatively well, especially the second run went very well," he said after race in Doha.

Gajser, a member of the Gariboldi Honda motocross racing team, is among the favourites in the MXGP class also this season.

He had come to Qatar as a champion last season, after taking the FIM Motocross World Championship in the lower MX2 class, and took his first win in his first appearance in the elite class.

Earlier this week he said: "I'm going to Qatar relaxed, to enjoy it. It is not easy, but I will try. If I manage to drive like in trainings, I can be very fast and repeat what I did last year."

He confirmed that this season, his role will be different and completely new. "It is easier to win it the first time, and it is harder to...