Press Release | September 2, 2018
Twelfth TrialGP title for the Repsol Honda Team rider
This is a press release from Honda Racing…
The Repsol Honda Team ace today sealed the 2018 TrialGP World Championship title with the season not yet over. Toni Bou, who won the trial in Great Britain, takes the tally of consecutive championship wins to twelve in TrialGP, added to the twelve in X-Trial (indoor). The twenty-four back-to-back titles mark the greatest achievement in motorcycling history.
Toni Bou, who didn’t technically need the win today in Silsden to be proclaimed champion, but the Repsol Honda Team rider nevertheless went all out to take the new world title in style. The list now totalling twelve titles in a row in the outdoor season stand alongside the other twelve in the indoor season. On the day, Bou took control of the terrain and finished off the competition over the final sections of the course to mathematically seal top championship honours.
Team-mate Takahisa Fujinami came close, once again to a podium spot. At the end of the first lap the Japanese rider held second. Looking very at ease throughout the day, the rider made a costly mistake in a section which other rivals had zeroed, meaning the veteran narrowly missed out on a place on the rostrum.
Toni’s title was a cause for celebration, not only for Repsol Honda Team today. The team also scooped the manufacturers’ title with Montesa. This is the twentieth world trial title for the Spanish constructor.
The next trial for Repsol Honda Team will be the final round of the TrialGP World Championship, scheduled to take place on 15th and 16th September in Pietramurata, Italy.
Toni Bou 1 – TRIAL: 1st STANDINGS: CHAMPION
Today was a very special day. We knew that this race would not be easy and that no mistakes could be made. They marked me a very strict five in section seven that forced me to fight hard for the rest of the trial. The end was very tight because with five points more I would have ended up in sixth or seventh place, but I stayed out of trouble and was able to win. There was a lot of nerves and a lot of pressure, but there is nothing better than winning the world championship with a victory. We are very happy because it has been a very difficult year due to injuries. Now it’s time to enjoy it with the team.
Takahisa Fujinami 5 – TRIAL: 4th STANDINGS: 6th
It wasn’t a bad day: on the first lap I was second and I knew that I had chances to get on the podium along with Toni. But I fived early on the second lap in sections five and twelve, areas that my opponents cleaned, which penalized me. I am very happy with the sensations and the results of these three most recent trial in which I have been in the running for the podium. I’m really looking forward to Italy’s trial to see if I can get another podium and finish off the season on a high. I want to congratulate Toni Bou for his 24th world title – it’s amazing what he does! I am very happy to be his team-mate; he’s a great rider who never gives up and fights to the end.
Miquel Cirera – Team Manager
We have to warmly congratulate Toni for this spectacular twelfth world championship title. This year has been very hard for him and for the team with all the injuries at the beginning and during the season. It has not been easy, but Toni has taken it in his stride. I want to thank the whole team. This year we have suffered a lot and the whole team, from first to last, has given 100% to make Toni comfortable. Even Fujinami has helped a lot within the team. For Fujigas we are also very happy with these most recent trials. In general, he is having a good season and we will see how the world championship finishes in the next event in Italy. We have also won the manufacturers’ title, which we are very happy with since this year both TrialGP and Trial2 count. Thanks to the riders who are the ones who gave us the points for this victory.
