Tony Cairoli: a special day!
Every Grand Prix pilot has a special feeling at the start of his home GP. It was a very special day for Tony Cairoli on Sunday in Mantova. Tony won in front of his home crowd, gave the KTM SX-F 350 its first success and took the lead in the MX1 World Championship. That's as the Italians say so beautifully: A particular day.
As the reigning champion and home favorite, is a lot expected of you at such a home GP?
Tony Cairoli: “That's right, but you also know that in advance. The whole weekend was a nightmare. If you can end it successfully, it gives you a lot of satisfaction. From Friday there are many people who want to see you, it is difficult to relax. But once on the motorcycle you have to forget all that. And the crowd was really fantastic during the matches, they pushed me forward. I definitely have to thank them for that!”
Things also went well in February during the Starcross, was that experience an advantage?
Tony Cairoli: “Not really, to be honest. The circumstances during the Starcross were completely different. The circuit was different, the setting of the bike was different and now the entire world top was at the start. During the GP the surface was harder and there were many more tracks and lines. Physically it was a very tough race. Much tougher than the GP in Bulgaria.”
On the other hand, you also get used to winning. You have three world titles and 30 GPs to your name, so isn't it that exceptional for you to be on the highest podium?
Tony Cairoli: "I tend to disagree! I have already won GPs on various motorcycles, but to now be the first to win a GP with the 350 is special. As Stefan Everts said, this GP was a historic victory for KTM. Sunday was a day where many pieces came together for me. It was one of my most beautiful home GPs ever. This is a match I will remember later. Sure!"
You also took the red medal as World Cup leader during the flight, the icing on the cake?
Tony Cairoli: “It was certainly not my goal beforehand to take the lead in Mantova. If Max (Nagl) still had it, I wouldn't be any less happy now. The championship is still long and the most important thing is to have the red plate at the end of the day. I just want to score a lot of points every weekend, at least top 5. Then the rest will follow automatically. Of course, you don't have everything in your hand to drive for victory. The circuit was tough and treacherous. To get to the front in the first heat I would have had to take too many risks. In the second series I had a good start and everything went perfectly. The engine also ran perfectly.”
The next GP, in Valkenswaard, has often proven to be a key race in the course of the championship?
Tony Cairoli: “Certainly, I will have to be there. Valkenswaard is always a special GP, but I like the circuit and it is so close to Lommel that it is almost a second home GP. Traditionally, we also do a team performance in the run-up. This time it will be on Monday April 19 in the Versuz in Hasselt. Entrance is free. And it will be a fun party, make sure you are there!”
Photos credit: Samo Vidic/Red Bull Photofiles
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