Five minutes with Darian Sanayei
He is originally from Seattle, the largest city in the American state of Washington. However, Darian Sanayei has been living in Belgium for a while now. The 22-year-old Sanayei has already had a career of 16 seasons, the last three years of which were in Europe. If he can confirm his speed next year, the American could become a dangerous outsider in the MX2 World Championship!
You would almost forget because you are only as good as your last races... Sanayei became Vice-European Champion in the EMX2016 in 250. He finished his first World Championship season last year in 2016th place. This year Darian has unfortunately been absent since the Arco di Trento GP after a knee injury in the British Championship. Before that, the Kawasaki rider was one of the biggest trendsetters at the start of the season in the MX11 World Championship. During the Valencia GP in Redsand he was already close to a final podium, and his third place in the second round of the Argentinian GP also showed that he has the speed to break big.
Why did you choose the world championship instead of the AMA?
Darian Sanayei: “I learned about the MXGP championship a few years ago and I thought I could go to Europe and compete against the best riders in the world. At the same time, you also get the chance to have an unforgettable experience. You get to know Europe, you see places in the world that I would otherwise never visit.”
What were your goals when you came here?
Darian Sanayei: “When I came to Europe for the first time, my goal was to get into the top 3 in the EMX250.”
Do you think the European Championships are more suitable as a springboard to a professional career than the US Championships?
Darian Sanayei: “I don't really know if it's better to start, but I like the professionalism and the racing structure in Europe. The jobs here are very difficult. It can only be an advantage to learn to drive on such circuits at a young age. “
“To be fast in Europe you have to be able to drive on any type of surface.”
Do you plan to ride MXGP in the future?
Darian Sanayei: “Yes, I have already considered it. Still, I think my first option will still be AMA 250. Just like Thomas Covington who will ride in America again next year.”
What struck you most when you arrived in Europe?
Darian Sanayei: “The competitiveness of the riders from all different countries. They're here strictly for business and not to amuse themselves! “
Do you like life in Europe?
Darian Sanayei: “I have been in Europe for almost 3 years now and I am indeed having a good time. I lived in France, England and lately in Belgium. Of course, I still prefer my life in the US, because that's exactly what I'm used to. “
What do the European circuits offer you in your development as a rider, compared to American tracks?
Darian Sanayei: “My feeling about the circuits in Europe is that to go fast you have to excel in every area. Just accelerating is not enough. You also have to find the right setting and of course driving technique also plays a role.”
The FIM MX2 World Championship has a high level. How do you rate the GPs compared to the AMA 250 outdoors?
Darian Sanayei: “It's hard to say if the level is higher than the AMA 250. I still think the top ones in America are a bit faster on their own, typical American tracks. Fast circuits, with lots of grip and lots of jumps. When it comes to versatility of courses, from grippy dirt to concrete hard and deep sand, the MX2 category will probably be faster.”
About your injury, how are you doing now?
Darian Sanayei: “Right now my knee is rebuilding little by little. It takes time, but I'm doing everything I can to get back to 100% next season. “
Change for next season?
Darian Sanayei: “No, we will continue as this year. In 2019 I will still ride MX2 in DRT Kawasaki. “
Text and photos: Loïc Lassence, Niek Kamper, Kawasaki
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