Simpson is going for resurrection in 2018
Shaun Simpson (30) is the most successful British rider in the MXGP class. His goal for 2018 is clear: to return to his best form after one of his worst seasons ever. Although the sympathetic Scot was the only Yamaha GP winner in the drowned Indonesian GP, he subsequently suffered a broken hand and subsequently a broken left arm.
The former multiple British champion has opted for a different schedule and a new approach this winter. “I'd say I'm even ahead of schedule. Both physically and in terms of feel with the 2018 Y450F,” explains Shaun. “After the last GP I also immediately closed the year, which gave me a longer break than normal. But I was also able to go back to work earlier. Before Christmas I built up a solid foundation in training and in the gym. Compared to others, I have also completed twice, if not three, times as many training hours on the motorcycle. That gives me an excellent starting position for the new year. I feel like I have made a flying start and I am very motivated.”
“I feel perhaps fitter mentally and physically than I ever have at this stage of the year,” said Simpson. “Instead of worrying about grinding out laps, we're actually working on fine-tuning the setup. All this means is that we are on the right path.”
Simpson was able to overcome his physical problems in the last 4 GPs of the year, but had difficulty getting far into the top ten. “The end of the season was a disaster. I put too much pressure on myself and rode tense and uncomfortable after the injuries,” he evaluates. “I feel like I'm over that and I'm trying to improve every day.”
As the most experienced rider in the Wilvo team (ed. he made his MXGP debut in 2011, while Arnaud Tonus is in his second year and Jeremy Seewer is a rookie in 2018) and the only GP winner on the 450, Simpson is perhaps the leader of the trio. Yet 'Braveheart'e insists that training and working with his younger teammates has also been positive for him.
“The Swiss sandwich!” he jokes. “The dynamic is really cool actually. I had a great relationship with Arnaud last year and that bond has now been even stronger. We understand each other better now. Jeremy joined and he's really cool and fit into the program nicely. He is motivated, listens and is willing to go along with the team's ideas. We have a pretty strict program to follow and we ride together every day, pushing each other and using each other to get faster and gain intensity. Both on and off the track it all becomes a bit of a competition. I think it will improve everyone's level.”
As a rider who is interested in the psychological side of his profession and regularly writes blogs on his own website, Simpson is an observant and analytical rider. Also someone who questions himself. Yet Shaun is optimistic about his chances, his fifteenth full GP season. “The next month will be crucial and then we have to be there for the first GP.”
Tekst: Adam Wheeler, translation: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Bavo, Yamaha Racing
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