Jacky Martens: “Changes are necessary!”
According to plan, JM Honda Racing team manager Jacky Martens had just returned from Saint-Jean d'Angély and was now preparing for the Italian MXGP in Maggiora. In the corona exit era, the Lommel former world champion is focusing on the restart of the Motocross World Championship.
How have you spent the past few weeks?
Jackie Martens: “We certainly haven't been sitting idle! I am mainly talking about my own role. This was actually a second winter break for us during which we technically put the (final) finishing touches on the t's. As is known, we only received the green light at a late stage to optimally prepare our entry with a new brand in a new class. We have now made up for that time. The engines are now absolutely great, also because we can make many parts in-house and immediately try them on the test bench.”
Ordered before Julien Lieber, who underwent wrist surgery at the beginning of March, came at an opportune time during this break. How is he doing now?
Martens: “That operation was too drastic to call it routine. In recent weeks, Julien has fallen back a bit in his rehabilitation because he was no longer allowed to go to the physiotherapist. An unfortunate side effect of the corona malaise, but now he can pick up the thread again in terms of physio. The flexibility in the joint is good, but the wrist is not yet stable enough. So that will take some time. Fortunately, we are not immediately behind the starting gate again. Although he will really have to rebuild on the bike because his last MXGP dates back to June last year.”
How are the two other riders, Benoit Paturel and Artem Guryev?
Martens: “Good, Guryev is now completely fit again. Even though they were unable to ride for the entire period, the riders continued to train physically. Benoit got a positive boost by seeing the first results of his hard work in the GPs. He is super motivated and the collaboration with trainer Joël Roelants is excellent. For Artem, this period is an opportunity to get stronger and focus on his work points without being distracted by travel or competitions. That is actually a unique opportunity to improve in a difficult situation.”
The UCI just released a new autumn calendar, is there any prospect of a new schedule in motorsport?
Martens: “It's still a bit too early for that. I think that Infront Moto Racing has also noticed that we are very dependent on the evolution from country to country and that at the same time it is a very international affair with teams, riders, suppliers and support staff from all over Europe. And don't forget: there are still several overseas GPs on the calendar. Personally, I would go for a calendar from the beginning of September to the end of October. Continuing longer seems very difficult to me, given the duration of contracts and the preparation for the new season.”
Did the team itself use this period to make improvements following the first GPs?
Martens: “In any case, as I already indicated, we lacked just that little bit of time to take another step forward in terms of performance. That has now happened. In addition, you still learn the most from competition itself. In Valkenswaard, Paturel was moved back five places after the qualifying round on Saturday because his engine produced too many decibels. We hadn't experienced that in years. We have found a solution for this in collaboration with Honda and HGS Exhaust systems. Everything is now ready to perform 100%, and Yentel (ed. Martens) is also fit again, so we can collect extra input for test work.”
What does this mean? situation for the functioning of the team?
Martens: “First of all, I am very happy that we made the switch to the MXGP this year with many loyal partners. All sponsors remain very involved and are very enthusiastic. On the other hand, you have to recognize that it is becoming incredibly difficult to attract new sponsors, especially now. As a team we try to generate as much value as possible for our partners. We make full use of social media and put all sponsors in the spotlight one by one with personalized videos. There is an excellent response to this and I think it makes us an exception in the paddock in these times. We will continue to work!”
It's clear that even when it comes to training, a challenging new era has begun. This will require adjustments from every motocross rider, from amateur to GP rider.
Martens: "That's true. Everyone will have to show that he or she can deal responsibly with this new situation. Respect social distancing, also during training. The rider who leaves for motorcycle training with one supervisor... Everyone will have to show discipline to bring this to a successful conclusion. For the first GP, both the organization and the teams will have to do their homework. The cross world must be well aware of this. Shaking hands and kissing when greeting are all prohibited from now on and face masks will become the new reality. Just think of the pit box where you are allowed to stand with a maximum number of people. Or other practical matters: the arrival of a rider who wins or reaches the podium and is received enthusiastically, the presentation of a cup...
There is discussion about how to proceed after this period?
Martens: “There is discussion about this between the teams. That is only logical. After all, this crisis affects everything and everyone: every country, every continent and every sector. Even teams with large budgets or wealthy owners cannot escape the consequences of the corona crisis. I think it is very difficult to continue as if nothing is wrong. Like every sport, MXGP will also have to think about how it can be done on a smaller scale and with a smaller budget. For years there has been a race for more and bigger. More professionalism, more team members, more charisma... It is time to look at this in a critical way.”
How could costs be reduced?
Martens: “The number of GPs and especially the overseas races are a crucial factor in the total cost. As a team, we complete four European GPs for the cost of one overseas GP. Ten years ago there were two overseas competitions on the calendar. Now there are four plus two matches outside the Schengen zone: Russia and Turkey. A one-bike rule would also make sense. Such a one-bike rule gives manufacturers the opportunity to show how reliable their motorcycles are. I am also considering reducing the number of team members, which will reduce wage costs. With two mechanics per driver and a coordinator you can go a long way. At least if the calendar allows it. For example, the logistics surrounding the overseas GPs now cause a huge amount of extra burden. A well-organized team like ours can still provide support for smaller teams, which is almost impossible.”
Discussions about cost savings are raging in every sport these days, be it Formula 1, MotoGP, football or cycling. Do you follow that?
Martens: “On the side, the situation in motocross is completely incomparable to that in major sports. MotoGP promoter Dorna supports the teams financially in these times, without major TV income this is impossible in the Motocross World Championship. That is understandable, but just like in cycling, we as teams are completely dependent on sponsorship. That is why a lot will have to change. However, in itself we have a fantastic product with motocross. In recent years, we have worked hard to raise everything to a very high level. Even if we are forced to take a step back, I have full confidence in the future.”
Photos: shobyBavo, CDS, MX July
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