Darian Sanayei impresses
When Kawasaki put Darian Sanayei forward as a candidate world champion in a press release before the season, we raised our eyebrows. Yet the 21-year-old American is well on his way to becoming the revelation of the MX2 season. His team, Bike it Dixon Racing Kawasaki, could be an important key to success.
Sanayei already won in the EMX250 two years ago. In Red Sand he came very close to his first GP podium thanks to a 6-2 score. In the second series, the DRT Kawasaki rider was even the fastest man of the race. Sanayei came within the wheel of the undefeated world champion Pauls Jonass. Sanayei also made his mark during the opening race in Argentina, as he led the race until he suffered mechanical problems.
Because Darian is the only MX2 rider for the British team, team manager Steve Dixon can also fully concentrate on him. To compete with the KTMs and Husqvarnas, Bike It DRT Kawasaki worked hard to make the KX250 lighter and stronger. The other side of the coin is that novelties such as a carbon air intake and other high-tech gadgets - including engine parts from Cosworth - also need time to develop reliably.
“I have worked hard this winter and I feel confident. That's why it makes sense for me to be at the front," said Sanayei. “Unfortunately we had some things in the first GPs that caused me to drop out a few times. But in Spain I was able to finish both motos and I had the fastest lap time each time, which was pretty cool!”
“On the test bench it became clear that my competition engine produces approximately 5 hp more compared to my second engine. I can definitely feel the difference,” Darian explains. “The bike pulls really well and I don't feel like I'm lacking anything compared to the other guys.”
Sanayei did not seem quite ready for a demanding World Cup season at the top last year. He did not perform well, especially in the sand and in hot conditions. Now the young American looks fit and strong. Moreover, it could well be that he has one of the fastest Japanese MX2 motorcycles between his legs, with the Bike It DRT Kawasaki.
“We'll get there,” Sanayei summarizes. “I don't just want to be on the podium, I want to win. That's what I'm going for. Of course I will be happy with a podium finish, but we are going for a win! ” It would be a major surprise if the ASW Racing driver were to reach the podium in Trentino. Last year he finished 20th in Pietramurata.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler
Photos: Bike It DRT Kawasaki
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