Five minutes with Bas Vaessen
Suzuki World MX2 rider Bas Vaessen started his first full World Championship campaign in Qatar. There is no doubt that Vaessen (19) is one of the men for the future. Last year he finished third in the final standings of the EMX250. Although 2017 will be a learning year for the Limburger, he has already proven that he learns quickly. In Qatar Bas already showed that the speed is certainly there!
How did your first Grand Prix go?
Bas Vaessen: “The results were not quite as desired, but in general it was still quite positive. On Friday I didn't feel well at all. Fortunately, things went much better on Saturday. In the first moto I had a great start despite my bad position at the gate. Until about two laps from the end I was firmly in the top 10. Then I started to drive cramped, I made some stupid mistakes. Beginner mistakes actually!”
Then you start the second heat with expectations.
Vaessen: “I didn't have a good start, but I was able to get to the front well. I was able to make up about six places. Then I fell while overtaking. Then I fell a second time, I was able to overtake 3 more boys and I'm like 17de finished. The result was not in proportion to the speed, so to speak!”
You certainly had the speed of the top 10 here. And that on a track that is very special; a kind of moonscape with artificial light, lots of jumps… That should give you confidence.
Vaessen: "That's true. Of course there is a guarantee that I will always be in the right position in terms of speed, but the possibilities are there. The circuit is indeed very different from what we are used to. I'm Dutch, so I come from the sand. Of course, we are also here to learn on such jobs. To start here is indeed quite strange.”
What do you expect from Indonesia?
Vaessen: “I have no idea what we can expect there in terms of track and stuff. I'm not afraid of the heat. Let's just say I'd rather be too hot than too cold. They say it's a sand track. We will see."
Hunter Lawrence also immediately did very well in Qatar. Does that help to cheer each other up?
Vaessen: “We rode together a lot throughout the winter. And as you say, we pushed each other a lot. One day I was a bit faster, the other day Hunter was faster. The two of us sat behind Jeremy (Seewer) for a long time. That helped a lot.”
How do you view your first full GP season?
Vaessen: “It's a year of learning somewhere. But if I can continue to improve like I did from Friday to Saturday in Qatar and from the first to the second round, then I will be fine at the end of the year. Continuing to grow all year round is the most important thing. That way I should become a good top-10 rider by the end of the year. Maybe I can compete against Lommel or Assen for a top-5 or a podium in a series. That's a bit of a stretch, but you have to have a goal.”
Was your preparation different from last year?
Vaessen: “Yes, I think my preparation was better. I was already in reasonable shape here. Normally I get better throughout the year. It is now the second year that I have worked with Harry Everts as a trainer and it is going great. He sees every mistake and every excuse he hears and he puts an end to it. Harry is very hard, but you need that, especially when you are young. You just have to be realistic!”
Thanks Bas, good luck in Indonesia!
Vaessen: “Thank you, you're welcome.”
Photos: Ray Archer
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