Exclusive interview with Gautier Paulin
Although the GP season is over, Gautier Paulin remains busy. The former BMX world champion kicked off his mini-SX campaign in Marseille last weekend. Because GP21 especially wants to shine in the Bercy Supercross next month. However, on October 30 you can meet the popular Frenchman close to home during the Yamaha off road event in Berghem. Mxmag has already managed to snare him for an exclusive interview!
Given your height and your great performance on the 450, was it surprising to hear that you will be competing in MX2 again next year?
Gautier Paulin: “I have achieved great results in the MX1 and great results in the MX2. With the Lierop GP I probably won the toughest GP of the year in MX2. This was the most demanding race, both for the engine, in terms of technology and physically. Okay, Ken Roczen had a technical problem there, but I proved myself all weekend in the Netherlands. I had pole in timed practice, I won the qualifying race and the first heat. In the second moto I had the same times as Ken. Of course, not everything went smoothly this season. That was also due to my injury at the beginning of the season. I first went to the US, but soon afterwards I injured myself and not much testing had been done yet. The 250 four-stroke project was new for Yamaha-Rinaldi, the collaboration with öhlins had only just started... That's why I think I can still make progress in MX2. I'm only 20, so next year I definitely want to play a leading role again!”
You were also the only MX2 rider at Yamaha-Rinaldi, given the development work that was underway and your injury, wasn't that an ideal situation?
Gautier Paulin: “Indeed it was a new project for Yamaha to prepare the YZ-F 250, perhaps they also assumed that I would quickly progress to the MX1. As I said, we have indeed lost valuable time in that area. I was injured quite badly at the MX of Nations in 2009 so I had to wait to test. After I came back from the US in early 2010 we did a bit of testing, but because everything was new we had no points of comparison! Then I got injured, so if you look at how we did this year, it wasn't bad at all. The situation is completely different for 2011. I had already signed since Sweden, but in the meantime I have become completely familiar with the team and we are perfectly attuned to each other. The team believes in me and I believe that with the material they can give to win.”
However, you already made a very strong impression at the beginning of this season?
Gautier Paulin: “Sure, I felt strong too. I dominated the races I rode in the Italian championship, I won the ONK in Mill in the sand... Then came that injury. Unfortunately, you need some luck in addition to good preparation and a lot of motivation! Either you're lucky or you're not. Hopefully things will be better next year.”
How did you digest that change from Kawasaki to Yamaha?
Gautier Paulin: “That went very smoothly. Switching to another bike with a factory team is always easy. At Yamaha-Rinaldi they do everything they can to make me feel good. As what I wanted they gave it to me.”
I'm guessing you've been riding mostly supercross the last few weeks?
Gautier Paulin: “Yes! It was always a dream to have my SX track at home. That has now worked, I now have the US next to my house! Have you seen Christophe Pourcel's circuit at his home in America? My job is just as technical, but much, much bigger. I am incredibly satisfied with it. On the one hand, I now divide my time between SX training and testing material for 2011.”
You will also soon be taking office in Bercy. The Bercy Supercross has not been this interesting in years with Tony Cairoli, Ken Roczen, Trey Canard, Marvin Musquin, Justin Barcia, Gregory Aranda and Arnaud Tonus
Gautier Paulin: “It is mainly an MX2 field with all young guys, all crazy people! I think the adrenaline will be flowing enormously at the start. If the circuit is good and there are enough overtaking opportunities, we will have fantastic races.”
What was your personal best experience in the SX of Bercy?
Gautier Paulin: “Due to injuries I haven't ridden there as often as I would like. I rode there at the end of 2006 when I was with Honda-Martin and then in 2007 with Molson-Kawasaki. I had a great time in 2007. In fact, everything is special about Bercy: beautiful surroundings, the crowd that cheers you on, a circuit that is usually very beautiful, all drivers of a high level. You don't want to miss that, not as a fan, nor as a driver!”
You never rode in Bercy when you were a BMX rider?
Gautier Paulin: “No, unfortunately not, I was too young at the time. At that time, she did not want to allow riders under the age of 14 to participate. Of course I've always had a thing for Supercross. It was always my dream to do SX and MX later. Now I have successfully tasted both disciplines in Europe and America. It's time for the next step, I want to get even better and win titles.”
What else is on the program this winter?
Gautier Paulin: “Marseille is only over this weekend. After that I will do Bercy-Paris and Geneva. I do have the opportunity to ride SX in the States, but I think I would rather concentrate on the MX2 World Championship. There is a lot of organization involved if you want to ride Supercross in America. And the season is already very long. I won't say no, but the chance is rather small.”
Finally, after Christophe Pourcel's injury, you were called upon to ride for Team France in the Motocross of Nations. You had a very strong team again, but it all fizzled out?
Gautier Paulin: “That was indeed a very big disappointment. Nobody expected that. I had had very little preparation myself, but I was extremely motivated. I was able to once again show my speed on the 450, physically I was fine... but the end result was disappointing. On the other hand, something like that is part of a mechanical sport. Better luck next time. If possible, I would of course like to be part of the French team again next year in Saint-Jean d'Angely.”
What do you expect from the two returning AMA riders in the GPs next year: Max Anstie and Tomy Searle?
Gautier Paulin: “I have already ridden against both, both Searle and Anstie are excellent riders. Searle has already had strong seasons in Europe. I think they will immediately be among the top players. I don't think they will have any adjustment problems. They are two additional rivals. Next year there will be a wide field of boys who can win again. First of all Ken Roczen, but also Jeffrey Herlings, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Max Anstie and Tommy Searle. Of course I'm going to fight to blend in with the group. One thing is certain: it will be a fierce battle!”
Photos credit: Massimo Zanzani, CDS
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