Rene Hofer: KTM's homegrown star!
We have long been used to Red Bull KTM riders calling the shots in the MX2 World Championship. Yet Rene Hofer is a special case. The 19-year-old rookie has just become a factory driver but is already riding at the front. Moreover, he is the first MX factory rider for the Austrian KTM in a long time.
One year in EMX250, in which he finished fourth, confirmed everything good KTM saw in Hofer. His regular first campaign in the waiting room of the MX2 World Championship also testified to his mental resilience. In 2018, the Austrian super talent missed out on the European 125cc title after he broke his pelvis during the ADAC MX Masters in Tensfeld. However, Hofer came back strongly.
Now he follows without any complexities in the footsteps of Tom Vialle. During the first GP in Matterley Basin he was immediately close to a first series victory. The former 85cc youth world champion also showed up strongly in tough Valkenswaard. The down-to-earth Hofer is now fifth in the World Cup standings. That deserves an interview!
Rookies are clearly not what they used to be. You clearly don't have much time to adapt to the World Cup. You must be happy with how the first two GPs went?
Rene Hofer: “Of course, we didn't expect it at all. We are more than happy, Valkenswaard was also a good weekend for me. Even though I had a starting crash there and had some problems with the bike, all in all it was definitely positive. If we can improve over the course of the year and achieve the same kind of results, I will be very satisfied.”
Why didn't you expect to be in the top five? I was confident that you would do a very good job!
Hofer:“(laughs) Thank you! We just had the goal to consistently reach the top ten. Of course my starts certainly helped, but I was also in good shape. During the winter riding together with Tom (Vialle) and Jeffrey (Herlings), it helped me to be well prepared.”
Can you compare the level of the MX2 World Championship with the EMX250?
Hofer: “The intensity is much higher in MX2. Last year in EMX250 everything was a bit calmer, but now it is very intense, especially during the first few laps. It takes time to get used to that, I expect to deal with it even better when I have completed more GPs.”
What is it like to work with Joël Smets?
Hofer: “I actually work more with Didi Lacher, Joël is more concerned with Tom than with me, but in the end we also help each other and do things together.”
What did he gain from training together with Herlings and Vialle?
Hofer: “I think the most important thing is the intensity you get in training every day. Spending the preseason with them was definitely a big help. Riding with them definitely increased my speed.”
Was last winter as a factory rider different from what you were used to?
Hofer: ”Well, actually we rode in a number of different locations than in previous years. We started motorcycle training at the end of November, so it was quite similar to previous years. In any case, in a factory team you have more opportunities to prepare as best as possible.”
In the past, your start was a weak point. Not much of that is noticeable this year. Is that thanks to the factory KTM you have now?
Hofer: “We have worked a lot on the start in recent months. I have tinkered quite a lot with my starting technique. It certainly helps to have Tom as a teammate because he is a great starter. Of course the engine is great too and I think this makes the final difference. We have really worked hard to get this far, so I am more than happy that the starts are going well.”
Last year your bike was under the tent of the Red Bul KTM team, but you did not yet have a complete factory bike. Is there a big difference between the bike you have now and the one you had last year?
Hofer: “Well, the engine is certainly different and in terms of suspension the difference is even bigger. Everything feels a little stiffer, but when you go fast you need that. I have to say that it felt a bit awkward at first, but as I went along I got faster and faster. Now I've gotten used to it and we've found a good setup.”
When you saw what Tom Vialle achieved as an MX2 and factory rookie last year, did you think to yourself: "If he can do it, why can't I?"
Hofer: “Of course, Tom had a great season last year and of course you think you can do the same. But what he achieved as a rookie was fantastic, so I didn't have that level in mind. I think we've started on the right track. If I can continue like this it would be perfect.”
In the past, things always went a little better on hard tracks than on the sand. However, you surprised many people in Valkenswaard, which must give you confidence?
Hofer:“Yes, but we also have weeks and months in the sand and that certainly helped. Sand riding is something different for me, we don't have those types of tracks in Austria, but I am looking forward to riding on hard tracks again.”
What are your expectations for the rest of the season after things went so well in the first two GPs?
Hofer: “We are going to look at it race by race, especially now. First we have to see when we drive back, of course. However, the goal remains the same, to remain consistently in the top ten. Then it's good for us, I'll still be a rookie. We'll take it easy a bit and then we'll see.”
What is it like to become a factory KTM rider as an Austrian?
Hofer:"It is awesome! I live half the time in Austria and half the year in the camper in Belgium. It's a lot of travel, but Austria is my home and I can use the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center In Thalgau (Salzburg). So I am in good hands to train, even now during the break. For training on hard tracks it doesn't matter whether you are in Austria or Belgium, because there are not that many hard tracks in Belgium. I actually enjoy being home during a busy season, but now everyone has to adapt.”
Thank you for your time.
Hofer:"Don't mention it!"
Tekst:Andy McKinstry
Photos: Samo Vidic/Red Bull Content Pool, Ray Archer, Pascal Haudiquert, Markus Berger / Red Bull Content Pool
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