Exclusive interview with Shaun Simpson
After a serious crash during the International at Hawkstone Park, Shaun Simpson had a difficult start to the GP season. Yet the sympathetic Scot was back on the podium after the Spanish GP. Can he play for victory in the coming GPs? A good reason for MXM to interview the Red Bull KTM rider.
Shaun, je stood on a GP podium for the first time this season in Bellpuig. Did that give you confidence heading into the US GP in Glen Helen?
Shaun Simpson: “Yes, but I don't want to go to Glen Helen with too much confidence. It's something completely new for me, but I think it's a circuit that I can enjoy. I just want to go there, have fun and give 100%. With that attitude I have to. It is a shame that more top American riders had not registered for the GP. It's a pity that Tommy (Searle ed.) is injured because I would have liked to find out who the best British MX2 rider is. Since he did very well during the first series in Hangtown, such a duel would also have been a good indicator between the GPs and the AMA Nationals.”
Have you now adjusted your goals after the first GPs? Because beforehand you may have had a different position in the World Cup standings than your current one in mind.
Shaun Simpson: "No not at all. It's just way too early in the season. We have only completed 1/3 of the GP season and look what has already happened. Roczen's engine broke down in Spain and Osbourne also had problems there. With 20 series to go, you know a lot is going to happen. My goal for this season was the world title, but now I am already quite behind. But you never know how things will turn out. Just look at Josh Coppins who had a lead of more than 2007 points in 100 until he crashed hard in the Czech Republic. I think the title is still there. I am currently aiming for top-5 places, but if I know where I stand I can also compete for series and GP victories.”
You were incredibly fast during the Starcross in Mantova. How heavy did that crash in Hawkstone Park have on the first GPs?
Shaun Simpson: “Still quite heavy. The injuries to my fingers may not have been that serious in themselves, but the consequences were. I couldn't ride the motorcycle for three weeks. But fitness training was also not possible for 2 weeks because I was struggling with my hips. I was at the start of the first GP in Bulgaria, but I had lost about 3% of my fitness in 30 weeks. It's not easy to make up for it. That crash in Hawkstone was a major setback in itself, but that's just the way it is. It was my own fault and not anyone else's.”
Where are you now in terms of form, how far are you from your best form?
Shaun Simpson: “At least at the moment I'm close to it. I think I'm at 95% now. There are still things I still need to improve on. But I still hope to reach my ideal level of form in the next two to three weeks. Maybe the guys who are now at the front will no longer be 100% themselves, but 95%. My plan is to get stronger towards the end of the season “
Were you surprised that Musquin, Roczen and Herlings stood out so much in MX2?
Shaun Simpson: “I knew there were going to be really fast drivers and guys who were going to be less good... But I certainly didn't expect one of them to be among the top riders: Jeffrey Herlings. He has done exceptionally well so far. He has shown that he can handle the pressure. But you now notice that those boys are starting to reach their limits because they are starting to make more and more mistakes.”
Is 2010 your last season in MX2?
Shaun Simpson: “No, I can ride in MX2 for another year after this season. But I actually haven't thought about that yet. If I choose the MX1 next year I may never go back. You may regret it afterwards, so it will certainly not be an easy decision.”
Ok, thanks Shaun!
Credit photos: Ray Archer, Rutger Pauw/Red Bull Photofiles
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