Five minutes with Arnaud Tonus
The American adventure of Arnaud Tonus (25) was a major setback, but since the spectacular Swiss returned to European tracks, he has returned to his best level. During the MXoN in Maggiora, Tonus immediately finished second in the Open class after Jeffrey Herlings. At the moment, the Wilvo Yamaha MXGP rider is the second best MXGP rookie… after The Bullit! Tonus has had a lot of bad luck in recent competitions, but next weekend in Ernée he could prove himself again, just like he was on the podium in Arco di Trento.
What is it like to be back in the GPs after your two seasons with Pro Circuit-Kawasaki?
Arnaud Tonus: "Nice! It is especially good that I can perform at my best level again, of course. With all the ups and downs I've been through in the US, that was a while ago! I was toying with the idea of riding again in Europe, but with everything I experienced in the US it may have happened sooner than I originally planned.”
You seem to feel very much at home in the Wilvo Yamaha team.
Tone: "Beats. The team and the bike were the most important when I was ready for a new challenge. The team owner Louis Vosters is motivated and the team is a close-knit group. Wilvo Yamaha is a nice, family team that works very professionally. I love that. I also really like the Yamaha.”
It sounds crazy that you are still only in your first season in the 450! What is the difference with MX2?
Tone: “Apart from the fact that the engines are more powerful, more physical and require a different driving style, the riders are also of a different caliber. Winning in MX2 is one thing, but in MXGP it's something else! The top players all have a lot of experience. Just look at Tony Cairoli who is still there. You don't just knock someone like that.”
How do you look back on Trentino? In the first series you passed Tim Gajser, then you dueled with Cairoli for the victory. It was a great moto.
Tone: “Everything just clicked that weekend! My first moto was very good indeed. It had been a long time since I had that feeling on the bike. If you can fight for victory, that's always special. I really enjoyed it, and also the stage of course.”
You were also very fast in Valkenswaard, but you had very little luck in the past GPs.
Tone: “That is true, that is also part of it. The whole picture has to be right. You have to have the starts, be regular and not experience anything stupid. With the current MXGP level there is no room for mistakes. To be at the front you have to be top, otherwise you won't succeed.”
Your speed in the Netherlands in Latvia was not translated into results, but you have shown that you can handle both hard and sand!
Tone: “I think it's more about how you feel at that moment than what the job is. If you are physically good, mentally strong and ride with confidence, it doesn't matter where you ride. Certainly at the highest level or in my case. So it is only logical that I have already trained a lot in the sand. Hard jobs come more naturally because that's what I grew up with, but I can hold my own anywhere.”
Is there another GP you are looking forward to?
Tone: “All GPs are fun and they are all equally important, but I am looking forward to riding the Swiss GP in Frauenfeld!”
Photos: Yamaha Racing, Eva Szabadfi
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