Lupino talks about Bartolini and the new MXGP Honda team
The newest team in the MXGP is Assomotor. Alessandro Lupino, who will compete for the new team, has already completed many laps with the CRF450R under the approving eye of former world champion Andrea Bartolini. The team is best known for their Supermotard Racing activities and will therefore take their first step in the MXGP in 2015.
Lupino is one of the class of 2014, along with the five riders in the top ten of MX2 who have reached the age to switch to the MXGP class. The Italian has eight seasons of GP experience and took his first podium place last season as a rider of the CLS Monster Energie Kawasaki in the MX2 class. He now has to fully acclimatize to the new team, new staff and new engine. Lupino has also completed a long period of rehabilitation due to a knee injury.
“My knee is perfect again and I am 100% fine again, so I am ready for the work that needs to be done,” says Lupino. “I'm happy to be on the 450 and I think the extra power the bike has suits my style more. The Honda is a solid and easy bike to ride and I have a lot of faith in the frame and the way it feels. I think I can push harder now and maybe I was a bit too big for 250.”
“The team is new to motocross and is therefore not used to the bikes getting so dirty…” He laughs. But everyone is working hard on it and that is the most important thing for a rider. Everything I ask is carried out and that is the kind of support you are looking for.”
Part of the Assomotor set-up is Andrea Bartolini who was appointed as technical coordinator. In addition to guiding Lupino in his rookie MXGP campaign, the ex-500cc world champion also has a technical role. “Andrea is testing right now while I'm here speaking,” Lupino says. “He is one of the most important people in the team because he knows a lot and has a lot of experience. He is still active on the bike and it helps me to share ideas and talk about the bike's behavior. But also with a lot of tips to improve myself. With Andrea it's straight to the point and that's good when you're dealing with a new bike and a new challenge.
At a time when MXGP has come under some criticism with the number of riders they get behind the starting gate, a project like Assomotor with an emerging talent like Lupino at a decent level cannot be undervalued. For the driver, he knows that in 2015 he will be the center of attention in terms of expectations and achieving results for the team. The Italian will have to take the first step. “I know that the MXGP will not be simple with so many strong riders,” he realizes all too well. “Especially in the first year, we certainly cannot look at the championship standings, but instead analyze match by match to improve together. I already rode the 450 at the national championships this year and I know my speed was already good. I just want to keep working to get better and better.
Text: Adam Wheeler – OTOR magazine
Photo: Assomotor Honda/Lupino Instagram
Also to read
Jago Geerts: “I want to come back to Lommel”
Jago Geerts is working hard to bounce back from an injury he sustained in early March during the opening race of the 2024 MXGP World Championship in Argentina. The Belgian, who at…Andrea Bonacorsi on his move to MXGP: “That was the most difficult decision of my life”
Reigning EMX250 Champion, Andrea Bonacorsi, will move to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team for the remainder of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship season, replacing…Entry lists MXGP of Portugal
The Motocross World Championship will continue next weekend with the fifth race on the MXGP calendar. In Agueda, Portugal, in addition to MXGP and MX2, the boys from EMX250 and EMX125 will also compete…Tom Vialle is chasing the US title
There is one race left in the US East Coast Supercross Championship. It will take place in two weeks in Salt Lake City, the city that has become accustomed to…
Your reactions