The flying Finn in 2010: Harri Kullas
Fast Scandinavian riders, or more specifically Finns, have traditionally always been well represented in the Motocross World Championship. That has been different lately. Fortunately, 18-year-old Harri Kullas (Yamaha-Gariboldi-Monster Energy) is now looking into the picture. Last weekend in Lierop he even achieved his best GP result ever with fifth place (7-5). Equally nice is the fact that Kullas puts an end to the cliché of the gruff, silent Finns. Harri talks like Brugman and goes fast on two and four wheels…
Congratulations, you are tenth in the World Championship, which is quite strong for a rookie?
Harri Kullas: “Thank you, I am also very satisfied with my season. The first five GPs almost always scored top 10 places. That was a good start. I had some bad luck in Glen Helen and in Teutschenthal, but those ups and downs are part of our sport. I finished sixth in both Kegums and Uddevalla. In Lommel I even finished sixth in the GP and in Brazil I finished fifth in the first heat. Only my first race is always better than the second. I have to do something about that for you, then I will be completely satisfied!”
You've been on KTM for a long time, how do you like the switch to Yamaha?
Harri Kullas:At the end of November I tested with different bikes and different teams. I thought the Yamaha ran very fast from the very first time. Personally, I am a rider who finds his place on every motorcycle. The engine is your tool with which you have to do it. If you have a good team, the brand is less important. I'm not going to complain about the engine any time soon. First and foremost, I have to do my own work! However, the team and bike are great this year, I couldn't ask for anything better. And I will stay with Gariboldi next year as well.”
Do you also have a new trainer for this season?
Harri Kullas:That's right. My dad used to do everything and Jussi Vehvilainen helped me with training schedules and advice. Now I work with Willy Linden, which was agreed by the team. Physically I feel that I have made progress. I try to work as hard as possible and learn to listen to my body. In fact, almost all the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place this year.”
You have been living in Belgium for a while, how is your Dutch?
Harri Kullas: “I have to bet my wild card on that. I would like to learn Dutch, but I can't find a Finnish-Dutch textbook!”
Or perhaps an Estonian-Dutch dictionary will work, since you have dual nationality after all?
Harri Kullas: “My parents are both Estonians, but I was born in Finland myself. And I drive with a Finnish license because I have a lot of sponsors there. I have a double passport, so with the MXoN I can choose. If the Finnish team wouldn't go then I would be available for Team Estonia. Personally, I feel as much Estonian as Finn! We always speak Estonian at home, by the way.”
Speaking of the MXoN, you won the Ricky Carmichael Award (for the youngest competitor) in Donington two years ago?
Harri Kullas: “Okay, it's not an election right away and you already know in advance who will win. Still, I thought it was a nice souvenir. It looks great on my mantelpiece and how many people can say they have a Ricky Carmichael Award? I was not yet known at the time, so that recognition is nice for a young rider.”
You are now the Finnish hope in anxious days?
Harri Kullas: “That's a bit strange because motocross has such a rich history in Finland. At the moment I am the only GP rider. It was therefore a bit of a search for the Nations. There are still a lot of riders and I have a big fan club so MX is still alive. Whenever a local race is organized the gate is completely full. The biggest barrier to break through is the sea! I mean the sea between Finland and Europe. As a result, it is always very expensive to drive internationally. I came to Europe with my dad in the second year that I rode cross. If you stay in Finland too long you will lose your connection because you will not know any people. You have no experience with the competitors and the circuits.”
Are you the first of a new wave of Flying Fins?
Harri Kullas: "I hope so! Although it is still far too early to say. There are some talented guys out there. Also in the 65cc and they are doing European Championships, so that's good. However, up to the 85cc you have a lot of guys who are fast, but they are too lazy to continue. And you also have to be able to cope with being away from home often and for long periods of time. When they go back home they see their friends, they no longer feel like making those long journeys. That's a shame, but that's how it is.”
In addition to motocross riders, Finnish mechanics used to be well represented in the GP paddock. According to one of them, this was because Finns are used to working in 'shitty conditions'?
Harri Kullas: “I completely agree with that. Anyone who can plan in the cold and mud or with a small budget suddenly has a much easier time if he can work or drive in good conditions! I never have any problems with the weather. Hot or cold, I don't care. I even like to be called like in Brazil because I know I'm physically fine.”
In Lommel you won the Monster Energy karting. Even more, you destroyed the other Monster energy pilots! No other country has produced so many rally and F1 champions per capita. Is that your Finnish background?
Harri Kullas: “Hahaha, that could be possible. I just really enjoy racing and it was actually a nice victory. All those guys were eager to win. Every time they went to train in Lommel, I heard they played a round of karting afterwards. I kept a low profile, but you see who laughs last, laughs best!”
Your transition from the MX2 European Championship was quite unremarkable. While everyone expected more from your teammate Charlier, who was European champion last year?
Harri Kullas: “Maybe, but my European Championship result from 2009 doesn't say everything. I had a shoulder injury and had to miss three races and came back well. That's why I finished sixth. It could also be that I progress more quickly and take two steps at a time this year. But I honestly don't look at other pilots.”
What is the next step?
Harri Kullas: “Podium places in a series anyway. Sand courts are easier for me, as you can see in Lommel and Lierop! And there it is also easier to make a difference. Anyone can go fast on a hard track. In the final standings I want to go for a top five. That's a lofty goal, but it is achievable. This year I was in the top 10 for almost every GP, so the top five is not that far away now.”
Anyone who wants to follow Harri should definitely take a look at his personal site.
Photos credit: Ray Archer, Massimo Zanzani
Also to read
The final of the MXGP Championship will be held in Spain
Infront Moto Racing today announced that the Spanish venue Cózar will host the exciting final round of the 2024 MXGP Championship. It is the third Spanish GP…Team HRC Honda to Portugal with Tim Gajser as the only rider
The 2024 MXGP World Championship kicks off the first of three straight races this weekend in Agueda, Portugal for the fifth round in this exciting battle. The next weekend it will…VIDEO: Roger De Coster about communication with the riders
In a video interview with Roger De Coster, the difficult start of the KTM boys in the US is discussed. It's about the set-up of the engines and how everyone...An update on Tyla van de Poel's injury
Tyla van de Poel crashed during the EMX125 in Arco di Trento and broke his tibia and fibula. Another pilot hit his front wheel on a ski jump, causing him to...
Your reactions