Printed on 11 January 2023
After a few very disturbing seasons, involving final race championship battles, one-day codecs, title-wins and COVID-19 affected travelling, the 2023 MXGP championship has the potential of getting issues again to some kind of normality. And if that ‘new regular’ signifies that reigning champion Tim Gajser is ready to win his sixth title in 9 years, HRC Common Supervisor Marcus Pereira de Freitas could be very happy certainly. Right here is an interview with the likeable Brazilian, giving an replace on what’s been taking place with Workforce HRC these previous few months…
How has the low season been for the workforce up to now?
Despite the fact that we haven’t had any races, there may be nonetheless a variety of working happening, ensuring we’re in the perfect place attainable for the 2023 marketing campaign. There are at all times issues to enhance, to organise and issues we learnt from final 12 months that may be carried out this coming season. Proper now, there’s a little bit of a maintain up, as we don’t have a finalised calendar, so we are able to’t absolutely nail down how we are going to strategy the primary few rounds, however as soon as that comes out, it is going to be all programs go.
And the way are issues searching for 2023?
It’s all very optimistic! We’ve an important group of sponsors who’re a pleasure to work with, and we had good productive conferences for this 12 months, which is at all times an necessary a part of the method of operating a profitable workforce. After which on-track, each Tim (Gajser) and Ruben (Fernandez) have each been doing their coaching over the winter, on and off the bike. They’re very impressed with the enhancements we’ve made with the CRF450R and are excited for the season to start. Clearly, they’re nonetheless working their approach into race-shape, having had a little bit of a break however general, they’re doing precisely what they must be doing to return into the season on the highest attainable degree.
Ruben is new to the workforce, so how has he been adapting to the brand new surroundings?
Up to now it has been very straightforward for him, and for us! He rode for Workforce Honda 114 Motorsports final 12 months, so he already had a superb relationship with a few of our workforce and that made the transition to Workforce HRC simpler. Issues run somewhat bit in a different way, and he has some additional issues that he didn’t need to do earlier than, however general, it’s been easy and he has tailored and learnt in a short time. He’s very proud of the bike and we are able to’t look forward to him to point out everybody what he’s able to. Final 12 months was a little bit of a studying expertise for him, he had some ups and a few downs nevertheless it was good for these to occur and I imagine he’ll come into this 12 months lots stronger.
And what about Tim’s preparations?
For Tim, he’s so centered and ready that we don’t have to fret that he’s doing what he must do. We regulate every part, in fact, however he’s a mannequin skilled and we all know to belief him and let him do determine what works and what doesn’t work. Having Tiga243land was such a giant step for him, as a result of he’s absolutely in command of when and when he rides. He doesn’t have to fret about another riders, or if tracks will likely be open or not. He is ready to do precisely what he must do, and is totally centered on making it occur. He has had a busy low season with the journey to Japan and varied awards that include being a five-time world champion, however we’re pleased with how he has dealt with it, and know that when the primary gate drops, he will likely be in precisely the precise place.
Final weekend was the primary Supercross, is that this one thing you take note of?
In fact, I believe everybody within the workforce watches as a lot as they will, actually the primary few rounds. We prefer to assist our fellow Workforce HRC guys, and see how they’re doing and the way the bike is performing and in addition as a result of we’re followers of the game. It was nice to see Jett profitable, and Chase main for a short time, and in addition new rider Colt Nichols doing effectively on his Honda debut. Whereas Supercross is a special self-discipline from motocross, it’s nonetheless necessary for Honda and we at all times need to assist their efforts.
Phrases: HRC Honda
Picture: Shot by Bavo
