Image: Supplied.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has re-signed defending MXGP world champion Tim Gajser and Australian rookie Mitch Evans in multi-year contracts to remain with Team HRC.

Gajser, who won the premier class title in 2016 and 2019, currently leads this year’s championship aboard the all-new factory CRF450RW. It’s unclear how long the pair have signed for.

“I’m super-happy to extend my contract with Honda and Team HRC,” 24-year-old Gajser said. “I’ve been here for the past seven years and to me this team feels like a family, so I’m really happy to stay.

“We will keep giving our best and we are all excited and ready to fight for the title every year and I believe this is the best place for me to be, especially on board the Honda CRF450RW. It is great to confirm this and continue our partnership that has already seen us become multi-time world champions.”

Evans, 21, has been a revelation since stepping up to the MXGP category and finished inside the top five at the MXGP of Europe last weekend. Despite a shoulder injury earlier in the year, he has climbed to 11th in the standings.

“I’m very happy to have the deal done and in place,” explained Evans. “It now allows me to focus on the rest of the season and putting in the best results possible. It also gives me a platform to build upon for the future and I feel like we’ve built a good relationship already.

“I’m excited for that to continue, I want to keep improving and working with this team and riding the Honda CRF450RW and I feel Team HRC has proven itself as the best team for me to achieve my dreams of challenging for a world title.”

HRC president Yoshishige Nomura added: “I am very pleased that Tim Gajser and Mitchell Evans will continue to fight with us in the MXGP class for next season. Due to COVID-19, this season has been competed on a very tight schedule.

“Even so, Tim is fighting to win the championship and Mitchell is nearly in the top 10. Team HRC and our riders will fight for the championship next year and live up to our fans’ expectations. We look forward to your continued support.”