Honda Motor Europe's 2015 MXGP plans
Now that the 2014 MXGP season has come to an end, this is the perfect time to check in with Davy Dousselaere, Honda Motor Europe's Off-Road Manager. Davy provides information about the new riders of Honda Motor Europe and the plans for next year.
What can you tell us about Honda Motor Europe's 2015 transfers?
“I am very happy with the agreements we have made for next season. In MXGP we have with Philip Bengtsson en Christopher Charlier two new riders at 24MX Honda Racing. At JTech Honda we have already confirmed Vsevolod Brylyakov for the MX2 World Championship, and we are also close to an agreement with a second World Championship rider. Then there is Albie Wilkie, the Honda 150 European Champion, who will compete in EMX250. It is possible that there will be a second European Championship rider in addition to Wilkie, but discussions are still ongoing."
Can you explain the new MXGP riders?
“With Bengtsson we have someone who can be strong in the sand. Filip even has the potential to create outliers in the sand. We already saw that this year in Finland where he set the fastest time in qualifying. If we can work well with him this winter, we are sure there is more to come. Physically, Bengtsson needs to become even stronger so that he can stay at the front for longer. Filip also became Swedish champion this year and Sweden is an important market for us.
For Christophe Charlier it will be his first year on a 450cc motorcycle. In terms of stature, he is more of a 450 rider anyway. I think he could surprise a lot of people next year. In his case too, it is important that we work hard with him this winter. We have planned an extensive testing program with both drivers, and we are convinced that both Bengtsson and Charlier can show great things in 2015.”
What is the strategy for next year?
“In terms of the team structure, the design is very clear. For 24MX Honda Racing the focus is on the MXGP with the CRF450R. For JTech Honda the focus is on the MX2 and EMX250 with the CRF250R.
In MXGP, 24MX Honda Racing (ed; formerly LS Honda) has already shown what is possible based on a standard CRF450R. In 2015 they will also show what the production engine, equipped with a racing suspension, is capable of. We're really looking forward to that because we know how much the 2015 standard CRF450R has to offer! After all, we have taken a big step forward for next year. With some specific racing adjustments, top results are possible even at the highest level.”
The same actually applies to the CRF250R. Compared to its bigger brother, the 250 has undergone slightly fewer changes, but it is equipped with the fantastic SHOWA SFF-TAC air fork that JTech will also use in racing trim. It's great to be highlighting the performance of the CRF250R with JTech Honda. Especially because we are now more focused than ever on the EMX250 and the MX2 World Championship.”
Why are the MX2 and EMX250 so important to Honda?
“Precisely because the CRF250R is an important bike for us next year. But we want to put the CRF250R even more on the map. That is why we are fully committed to youth to develop and guide young talent, such as Albie.
We apply that philosophy to the entire JTech line-up, whether it is Brylyakov, or the second rider in MX2 or EMX250. So the idea is to come out with four riders and let JTech really concentrate on the CRF250R.
In addition, we also show that Honda is investing in a clear path for young talent. From 11 to 14 you can start in the Honda 150 European Championship, then EMX250 and World Championship MX2 and finally MXGP. That is the central idea behind our commitment to motocross. We want to help young riders grow with Honda. And for those who have the talent and perseverance, it is possible to reach the absolute top with a CRF.”
What are the next steps in preparations for next year?
“We have made a lot of progress with the CRF250R since the Belgian GP, both in terms of engine and engine. Hopefully we will see the result of this during the Motocross of Nations on September 28. It will also be very interesting to get started with the new air suspension - which is also on the production motorcycle.
After the MXoN we start testing with all our new riders. A group test in Sardinia is also planned for early next year. Everyone will be there; from the factory riders to our EMX250 guys so we can really test and learn together as one big family. That is an important part of our approach.”
What are the goals for 2015?
In fact, we want to make progress everywhere next year. We want to perform better in EMX250, in the MX2 World Championship and in MXGP. I am confident that we have the engines for this with the 2015 CRF450R and CRF250R, coupled with the right riders and teams.
Finally, I would like to thank all Honda supported teams and riders for their efforts and their dedication. It was an important year in which everyone started working together more. We would like to continue that line. The pyramid we have in mind to allow motocross talent to grow will not be there immediately. But the structure and support are already there and everyone works well together. In any case, that provides a solid foundation.”
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