Team presentation Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team traditionally introduced its team on Friday evening during a pleasant meeting in the Zandhoven restaurant De Engel. That tradition was not touched. There is also nothing new under the sun when it comes to the excellent welcome and the delicious buffet. As for the ambitions of drivers Thomas-Kjer Olsen and Thomas Covington, on the other hand…
Compared to previous years, it was a slightly more compact team that was presented to sponsors, friends and media. Third rider Conrad Mewse moved to Hitachi KTM UK in the mid-season, Yentel Martens was not present. After all, the son of former 500cc world champion Jacky is already in Argentina, where he started yesterday in the famous Enduro del Verano beach race. In addition to the drivers, the presenter took over Eric Blaak also the team management, Jacky Martens and Kay Hennekens, and all key figures of the team for the microphone.
To ensure everything ran smoothly, Eric received flying support butler Alphons. Dressed to the nines, armed with a pocket watch and a booming voice, Alphons did his utmost to ensure that everything went according to schedule. Keeping the momentum going between courses was the message!
Last step to the top
Jackie Martens talked about the all-new Husqvarna factory engines and the titanic work that has been done in recent months: “Because we now work with two drivers, we can respond even more to their questions. We can also manage with three riders, but this is a much better situation. The step that Husqvarna has made with the new FC250 engines is quite big. We have more power which certainly offers an advantage in the starts. The frame is now completely different, a lot more stable and we have also made a lot of progress in terms of suspension. Actually, we - myself and Kay - don't want to say it out loud. Because it sounds so grand, but in terms of results we now want to take that final step. However, at the moment it is very strong what the drivers are already showing.”
To play for the marbles, all details must be correct. The entire Rockstar Energy Husqvarna structure is therefore designed to perform. In a friendly, family atmosphere but thoroughly professional. “Fortunately we have the opportunity to take another step forward. We now have the drivers for that and we are happy that we can support them so well. One rider less, an increase in the budget by Husqvarna and Rockstar Energy make our lives a little easier. Because there are only two real overseas GPs on the calendar, Argentina and Indonesia, travel costs are also somewhat lower. Jacky is very careful in his statements. I personally think that we now not only have the best engine, but also the best riders. This should make it possible to do even better than last year. We became 2017 and 3 in 4, so it is clear where we want to go.” smiled Kay Hennekens.
Teammates with the same goal!
Those present naturally sat down just a little bit more at the end of the evening for the stars of the evening. Thomas-Kjer Olsen had a super strong debut season in MX2017 in 2. After a 3rd place in the final standings, his first GP victory and the Dutch Masters MX2 title, 'TKO' is now aiming a step higher. “My goal is to become world champion this year. Okay, it won't be easy, but last year I was already third and I know I have the capabilities for it. We have a great team and I know it's there. The new engine has indeed been significantly improved. We always try to find better settings and make small improvements, but for this year there are also many new parts. Actually, the bike suits my riding style really well! I could say whether this year is different for me than 2017. It is mainly a matter of being able to continue building. The strong foundation was already there, you keep learning and now I also have a year more experience.”
Also Thomas Covington, 4th in the World Championship last year and good for 2 GP victories, spoke to the audience with confidence. TC64 said: “The recovery after my knee injury actually went much faster than expected. Since I was able to do some other things like spend time with my family and play music, not being able to drive for a while wasn't a negative at all! We also used that time to focus on other aspects of my fitness. So I did a lot of work in the gym. I haven't ridden a race yet, but the feeling on the bike and the speed are starting to come. In recent weeks I have really found confidence in the new bike and in myself. To be honest, I feel in better shape than last year and I am ready for Argentina. Moreover, the season is so long, so I want to build up well so that I can peak at the right time.”
Photos: bavo
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