Filip Bengtsson: the most Dutch of all Swedes!
As an enthusiast, some riders simply catch your eye more than others. Filip Bengtsson is one of them. The fast Swede has a spectacular style to die for. We are therefore very pleased that 'Fillibang' is back in Dutch service. Jan Heusschen of JH-MX renewed the collaboration with the multiple Swedish champion. Sand hare Filip Bengtsson back on KTM, that should give fireworks. Come see that in the Wintercross in Groesbeek next Sunday!
Are we talking to the future owner of €750?
Filip Bengtsson: (Laughs) “Well, that's something to look at! I don't know if I'll just win. In any case, I will do my very best. It is also a nice course there in Groesbeek. It looks like a park or something! I have never ridden there myself, but when I was in the area I went to have a look.”
How does it feel to be on a KTM again?
Bengtsson: “Excellent I must say. And it is also very pleasant to work with Jan Heusschen from JH-MX (ed. well-known KTM and Honda dealer from Gemert) again. I know what I'm getting into and his engines are very good. This Sunday I will ride the KTM SX-F350, in the GPs it will be an SX-F450. Normally I also ride the 350 in the Galvin Cup. In any case, I'm really looking forward to it.”
What does your program look like?
Bengtsson: “All Dutch Masters of Motocross competitions, in the MON the new Galvin Cup over five competitions, probably a few more competitions in Belgium and then the sand GPs such as Valkenswaard, Kegums, Lommel and Assen. I would also like to ride in Teutschenthal, but as a wildcard rider in the MXGP it is always a question of whether there is a place on the starting list.”
The Wintercross will be your first competition in a long time?
Bengtsson: "Beats. My first race since June even. Actually, last year I came from the rain to the drop. A shame because the season started excellently. I felt very good, had also ridden a lot in the winter and during the Dutch Masters opener in Axel I immediately got into shape.
I suffered an unfortunate injury in Valkenswaard. A flying stone cut my deltoid muscle at the shoulder. Because of this I was out for a while, but you always try to get back as quickly as possible. Sometimes against my better judgement. You want to, but you can't reach the pace you're used to. That is frustrating and it makes it even easier to make mistakes. Things went terribly wrong in Sweden a few months later: a broken collarbone, broken ribs…”
After all this time here, do you already feel a bit Dutch?
Bengtsson: “I feel quite at home, yes! When I'm here, I stay with Jos Govers in Soerendonk. The Govers family really has a heart for motorsports and the Budel circuit is nearby. (grins) It used to be Tonny Govers the local hero of Budel, now that's me! No, seriously, I'm enjoying it here. I don't really speak Dutch, but I understand it. I will then answer in English. You can have a chat at the gym or with the neighbors. Nice!"
What did your Valentine look like, with a local beauty or with a blonde Swedish woman via Skype?
Bengtsson: “Stop it man, I'm driving privately again!”
That can change quickly, but winning seems to help sometimes...
Bengtsson: “That's extra motivation to grab that €750, of course! I heard that an article on mxmag also works wonders?”
Absolutely!
Photos: Daniel Ahlgren/JH-MX Service
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