Het Husqvarna The factory team had traveled to Mill with their entire racing stable. So not only was Todd Waters at the start, but also Pascal Raucheckerthe Tyla Rattray will replace it in the coming GPs. The Austrian is new to the MX1 class and had a lot to say about his switch.
Pascal, this is one of your first races on a big bike, what is the feeling like?
Indeed, it is only my second race on the 350cc Husqvarna. For me there is not a huge difference, you have to ride the 350 in about the same way as a 250, so apart from the extra power, the adjustment goes well. I'm also lucky that I can get used to the bigger bike with one of the best teams in the paddock, the IceOne Husqvarna team.
Why do you think the team chose you to fill in for Rattray?
No idea, I got a call from Robert, the Husqvarna motorsport chief. He asked if I wanted to fill in for Rattray and of course I didn't turn that down. However, I have been training on a 350cc motorcycle for a whole winter and I am also a test rider, so perhaps they came to me that way. In any case, I give everything of myself and hopefully they will want to work with me in the future.
Next week Brazil, are you ready do you think?
No idea if ready is the right word. Thailand was my first race this year and also my first race on an MX1 bike. So it was really hard to adjust and get used to, we have already made some progress for a while, but still, I am not really ready yet. I can still improve and will still work hard to get better.
In the first series you had a bad start, you got through well, but then you were suddenly gone. What had happened?
A stone had flown onto my engine block, causing a piece to break off. All the oil ran out and eventually the engine broke down. I then started the second series as training for Brazil. In the beginning I didn't have a good rhythm. In the end I was able to set some good lap times, pass some riders and everything felt good. I'm looking forward to Brazil!
What did you think of the circuit?
The circuit is really tough and difficult. It's unbelievable how some guys, even amateurs, talk about this like it's nothing and for 30 minutes. It was also my first sand race on the bigger bike, it was not easy to find a rhythm with this extra power. I'm happy that I was able to end the day on a positive note and set some good lap times.
Text and photo: Frederik 'VePix.be' Van Eeckhoven