Interview Brent Van Doninck
In his annual report on the coming men in the 85cc, Yves Devlaminck wrote about Brent: “It is very difficult to ride much faster on an 85cc.” We thought that could count.
Van Doninck is therefore one of the leading European pilots in his class. After a super 2009, it was not so obvious to do better this season. Yet the 14-year-old native of Herentals has again created a lot of great things from his Acerbis sleeves! In the run-up to the FIM Junior World Championships in France on August 22, Brent deserves an extensive interview. Hereby.
You don't drive much in Belgium, but you presented your business card during Everts & Friends?
Brent Van Doninck: “Certainly that match against the GP men is very cool. Then you want to show what you can do! In Herlings' case, it was of course not long ago that he was on an 85cc. Jeffrey went really fast! I was able to learn a thing or two from him. In my first series I didn't have the right lines and dad had shown some of Jeffrey's lines afterwards. I tried that in the last heat, my start was very good, I found the right rhythm and I was very satisfied with that heat.”
For those at the top, it is always immediately noticeable when you make a mistake. Last year you won the German championship, you won the Coupe de l'avenir with the Belgian team. Doing better was difficult, what did you think of your season so far?
Brent Van Doninck: “I made some mistakes in the ADAC this season. So things can still be better. Those mistakes have to be corrected, I also have to work on my starts, but I am certainly not dissatisfied. In France I actually dominated the Cadet Championship, so that's certainly not bad!”
Compared to most of your peers, you have been riding with standard equipment for a very long time. That's starting to become exceptional even in the 85cc at the top?
Brent Van Doninck: “I have always driven original cars. Only this season since July I have been riding a new motorcycle that was prepared by MB tuning. This was necessary with a view to the World Cup. You really have to be there from the start, otherwise you can forget it. But during Everts & Friends my starts were much better.”
The Junior World Championship seems extremely important for all young, ambitious pilots?
Brent Van Doninck: “Certainly, I'm looking forward to that. To ride against those strong Dutch pilots and also many fast riders from outside Europe that you don't know. I don't know the circuit itself, Dardon Gueugnon, but it is said to be a bit sandy. Unfortunately I cannot train there in advance because it is not a training circuit. You must be a member of the local club. It is also a shame that Micha-Boy De Waal was injured.”
That sounds a bit like your status in the French championship where you win everything, but are not allowed to score points for the title?
Brent Van Doninck: “Well, that's a shame, but this also applies to foreigners in Belgium. It's the experience that counts and they won't take the victory away from me!”
Are you already riding the 125cc?
Brent Van Doninck: “For example, in Genk during Everts & Friends it was the first time in a long time that I was on the 85cc. I therefore regularly train with the 125cc. That switch was a bit strange, but that must have been the case for the GP riders in their race against the 85cc pilots! Actually, that step is going well for me. Then you certainly have control over that 85cc because you are used to riding a heavier motorcycle.”
Have you now finished learning the 85cc?
Brent Van Doninck: “Pfft, if you've been riding 85cc for so many years, you really start to get the most out of it. Then in the long run you are really at the limit, yes. That's the fun of riding the 125cc. You can still learn so much from that.”
Then we will see you at work in the European Championship 125 next year?
Brent Van Doninck: “That is indeed the plan. It depends a bit on how things go on the 125. We will make an evaluation this winter, but it is the estate. I haven't trained with the 250 four-stroke yet. Except once I tried it with a friend's motorcycle.”
With the switch to the 125, the serious work also begins, right? What do you expect from it?
Brent Van Doninck: “That's true, the GP tracks are also very tough. And they also have to ride last. That is completely different from Germany. The circuits there are always very well prepared. I follow what is happening in the European Championship on the internet, of course. And I also sometimes ask my comrades who participate in the European Championships. Next year it will be serious! Now you can still make mistakes, but they have to be corrected. You also have to be in perfect condition physically.”
Describe yourself as a pilot?
Brent Van Doninck: “I'll start with my strengths! I like jumping, supercross, all that. I don't really have to pay attention to it. Shifting gears and not hitting my brakes too much, on the other hand points of interest.”
You have probably also grown enormously as a sportsman in recent years?
Brent Van Doninck: “You do indeed have to work intensively on it if you want to reach the top. Also off the track. Training, taking care of yourself, going to the osteopath on time if something is stuck.”
In Germany (note: Luca Nijenhuis leads the Junior Cup with 10 points ahead of Van Doninck) you ride again to extend your title, but you have also had a lot of bad luck. Doesn't that eat away at your motivation?
Brent Van Doninck: “During the last series in Prisannewitz I won the first series. Pretty easy actually. In the second moto I was third, but I fell quite hard in the second moto. A stupid mistake because they had sprayed there. I could have known! Then I did a catch-up race and ended up ninth. So third overall wasn't that bad.”
Do you estimate the level in France to be the same as the ADAC Junior Cup?
Brent Van Doninck: “If the French riders have started well, they also go very fast. In contrast to the ADAC, most riders are less physically fit. It often happens there that someone in their 20sth moves forward. You don't see that in France. The series are also 5 minutes longer in Germany. In France there are fewer pilots who are regularly strong. On concrete hard tracks you should certainly not underestimate them, but if there are ruts or it is mud then it is much more difficult for most. The level in France is certainly not lower.”
You get support from KTM, you have Stefan Everts as a mentor, does that bring extra pressure?
Brent Van Doninck: “In the beginning it took some getting used to. I always thought that performance had to be continuous. Over time you learn to deal with it better.”
What have you already learned from Stefan?
Brent Van Doninck: “Sometimes these are things that you know yourself, but that Stefan then comes back to. Like my shifting, I have to be careful not to rev too high and to shift gears on time. Also the way you prepare the starting point, for example. Actually it's too much to list! I couldn't wish for a better teacher.”
A few years ago you suffered a serious knee injury. How are things going with that now?
Brent Van Doninck: “I had my cruciate ligament left in Lommel about four years ago. The problem is that they are not allowed to operate yet because I am not fully grown yet. Now and then I suffer from it. Not while driving, but if I put my foot a little wrong it does happen. I have to be a little careful with it. The osteopath gave me some adapted exercises and I also rode with knee braces. That also helps.”
Do you ever train with the KTM factory riders?
Brent Van Doninck: “Every now and then, during the GP season, the riders and Stefan are of course very busy. But it sometimes happens that we train at the same circuit where Herlings, Goncalves or Simpson ride. Then Stefan sometimes comes by to give some advice. During the Christmas holidays I also went to Spain for a winter internship and this year the intention is to go there for a week when the factory team is there.”
Provided you get admission to school I suppose!
Brent Van Doninck: “I always have to be very fine with my health administration! Letters and such. Teachers sometimes ask about it at the beginning of the year, but that decreases. There are a number of others at school who also play sports and they are jealous if you are absent for a day. Fortunately, there are a few at school who also race. Then I can talk about motocross with that!”
Would you like to thank someone else?
Brent Van Doninck: “Yes, definitely, all my sponsors. KTM, JSD Heylen, Pirelli, Motorex, MB tuning , Acerbis, Ariete, Mefo-Mousse, Tommaselli, Twin Air, Lazer… (Brent is interrupted because our tape is coming to an end)… Stefan Everts and of course my parents.”
Photos credit: CDS & Olivier Evrard
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