Rinaldi chooses Öhlins
Although Ohlins is renowned in MotoGP as a supplier to top teams and world champions, the reputation of the Swedish suspension specialist in the Motocross World Championship is much less. Despite Christophe Pourcel's MX2 world title three years ago, Kayaba is currently considered the MX suspension specialist par excellence.That used to be different, because two years after its founding, Ohlins already won the 78cc world title in '250 with the Russian Gennady Moiseev (KTM). Later, world titles in all possible car and motorsport disciplines followed. Michele Rinaldi's team itself rode to successes with the help of Ohlins in 1992 (Donny Schmit) and 1994 (Bob Moore). If it is up to the brand 'with the golden struts', those glory days will soon return. Both David Philippaerts (MX1) and Gautier Paulin (MX2) will use Ohlins. MXMag spoke to Michele Rinaldi about this surprising move, after a truckload of titles with Kayaba. Note that while Ohlins was a daughter of Yamaha…
Given the link with Yamaha, would it only be logical for Yamaha Monster Energy to ride with Ohlins?
Michele Rinaldi: “No, because we as a Yamaha factory team have always been able to choose the best suppliers. Depending on performance and what our riders feel best about. Moreover, Ohlins has been independent again since the end of 2007 because founder Kent öhlin has bought back his shares. We had previously discussed a new collaboration, but now Ohlins has decided to focus on the MX market again.”
Did it play a role that Kayaba already serves so many teams in the Motocross World Championship?
Michele Rinaldi: “It is true that Kayaba has a very strong presence in the World Cup, but that is logical because they also have an excellent product. We have always worked well with Kayaba and with Technical Touch that provides the service. Moreover, communication per team is perfectly separated, so that was certainly not the reason for switching suspension suppliers.”
Where did this switch come from?
Michele Rinaldi: “We are continuously looking for improvement in the technical field and we think we can strengthen each other in the field of suspension in motocross. Just look at Ohlins' success in MotoGP and of course we know the people and their products ourselves. As a Yamaha factory team, we were honored by Ohlins' request. Moreover, the test sessions showed that there is a lot of potential in the current products. I am also confident that we will receive good support in terms of service because we work together with the Andreani Group (note: the Italian importer of Ohlins) who also provide service for Ohlins in SBK, supermoto and enduro.”
You guys have a lot of testing ahead of you, the 2010 YZ450 F is all new. Does working with a new suspension mean even more workload?
Michele Rinaldi: That is true, but everyone is motivated by this challenge. We also know that we will have to pay tuition fees, and that we will sometimes have to do some searching. That's part of it now. This is also not a project in a few months, it is a long-term project. The aim is to be fast during the spring races and especially to be ready for the first GP in Bulgaria. Ohlins wants to achieve top results in the GPs in order to convince the average user. The first feedback from David (Philippaerts) is very positive. The fork flows well in short jumps and on big jumps it feels very progressive. In the corners, David even thought the bike went faster. The rear suspension was also well received, so at least we have a healthy basis.
It is positive that a new collaboration like this also keeps everyone on their toes?
Michele Rinaldi: I'm glad you said it, because it is of course very positive for the Motocross World Championship and MX in general if a big, successful player like Ohlins wants to invest again. The intention is that they will support more teams and drivers. In this way competition is increased. We wouldn't mind at all if other top riders started riding with Ohlins next season. In a way it would take some of the pressure off because otherwise everyone would focus on us. Moreover, it is positive for Ohlins to receive a lot of input from different sides to develop as quickly as possible.
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