Take 5 with Bas Vaessen.
In 2018 Bas Vaessen his second season in the FIM World MX2 Championship to ride. The Limburger is switching from Suzuki to Honda and is confidently looking forward to the new season that will start next month.
MXMag: How do you look back on 2017?
BV: With mixed feelings to be honest. I showed some great things, such as fourth place during the second round on the Ottobiano circuit. Unfortunately, I also had to watch the games at home behind the TV for half of the season. In Argentina I broke my collarbone and in addition to Mexico I also had to miss Arco di Trento and Valkenswaard. During the first round in Lommel my collarbone broke, which ended my season prematurely. I would have liked to see my first full season in the World Cup differently.
MXMag: You are making the switch to Honda, how is the switch going and what are the differences with the factory bike?
BV: The first introduction to the new CRF250R is very positive. I am very satisfied and we manage to improve the setup every week. I immediately felt at home on the bike and that of course gives a good feeling now that we are heading towards the first races.
MXMag: The French 114 Motorsport is new in the MXGP Paddock, do people still speak Dutch and how do you like the collaboration?
BV: Yes, that's right, the team started from almost scratch. There are still several adjustments needed to small things, but actually everything is going as expected. I currently live in France and I have a French mechanic. I am the only Dutch speaker in the team, but that is no problem at all.”
What does your program look like next to the 2018 Grand Prix calendar?
My season starts with the first race of the Italian Championship in Sardinia followed by the French spring race on the Lacapelle Marival circuit. We will then focus on the FIM World Championship that starts on March 3-4 in Argentina, followed by the first Dutch Masters of Motocross a week later in Markelo.”
MXMag: What is your goal for 2018, when will this season be a success?
BV: My goal is to ride in the top five on every surface. On the sand I definitely want to compete for the heat victory and perhaps the day's victory. I find it difficult to name a ranking in the final standings, but the top five is still my goal.”
By: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: Huub Munsters
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