Interview Ruud Van Venrooy (Gebben Van Venrooy Racing)
To say that 2020 meant a revolution for the Gebben Van Venrooy Racing team is a huge understatement. The team not only exchanged Kawasaki for Yamaha, but also entered three MXGP riders for the first time. And what a trio: Alessandro Lupino, Calvin Vlaanderen and Thomas Covington. We spoke with co-manager Ruud Van Venrooy.
Each of the three drivers has already made his mark. They have all already stood on a GP podium, Lupino has a junior world title to his name, Flanders won the MX of Nations, Covington won four GPs in MX2 before his switch to the MXGP
Despite that strong line-up, the first 2 GPs did not exactly go smoothly. For Gebben Van Venrooy Racing, the mandatory Covid-19 break was more favorable in terms of timing. The break gave the Dutch team the opportunity to start the rest of the season better prepared. In any case, there was more than enough food for discussion when we contacted Ruud Van Venrooy.
You had been riding Kawasaki for several years. Was it a difficult decision for the team to switch to Yamaha?
Ruud Van Venrooy: “We had some good years with Kawasaki and everything worked well, so it was indeed a difficult decision to switch. Yamaha Netherlands had already told us a few times in recent years that we had to switch back to blue. After all, Gebben Motoren is the largest Yamaha dealer in the Netherlands. Last year, Yamaha Netherlands and Yamaha Europe made us a nice proposal that made us decide to switch.”
Most teams consciously choose two drivers. You decided for 2020 to start with three drivers. Was it difficult to complete that plan in terms of budget, logistics and so on?
Van Venrooy: “Initially it was not our intention to enter the MXGP with three riders. The opportunity to work with Calvin came up because he still didn't have a spot. That was of course a shame, because he was a top MX2 rider and he is also Dutch. We also know that he can develop into a good MX1 rider. That's why we decided, together with a number of sponsors and Yamaha, to try it.”
Everyone associated with the team must have been very enthusiastic. It is exceptional that a private team can compete with such strong drivers?
Van Venrooy: “Just as you say, this line-up is very special, especially for a private team. Both ourselves and the team, everyone involved and the sponsors are very proud of our three riders.”
Due to an injury, Flanders went to Matterley Basin with few engine hours, but the speed itself was good. This corona break must therefore turn out to be positive for him, because everyone will start from scratch again.
Van Venrooy: “Calvin has indeed missed a lot of driving time. This COVID-19 break gave him time to get back into shape. Thanks to more hours on the bike, he is getting stronger every day.”
Thomas Covington also had little time on the bike. Actually, he was in a similar scenario as Flanders, right?
Van Venrooy: “Thomas still has a longer way to go than Calvin. Remember, he missed almost the entire 2019 season. This break was good for him to do physical training and in the meantime he started riding again. Of course, this break is definitely a plus for him. It gives him the opportunity to return in better shape when we go racing again.
Ultimately, it was decided for Valkenswaard that Covington would not start. How did that happen?
Van Venrooy: “That was Thomas's decision. He didn't feel ready enough to ride at this level. From that moment on we gave him time to work hard and get back to racing fitness.”
Valkenswaard was very disappointing for the team with technical problems. Have you been able to work on this to avoid this kind of thing in the future?
Van Venrooy: “To be honest, Valkenswaard was a disaster. We did a lot of testing in the winter under all conditions and didn't encounter any of these problems. In the meantime, we have found the reason - actually a small thing - that caused these problems and everything is now resolved. Since the outbreak of the corona crisis, we have also continued to work on the engine block and have made good progress.”
With Lupino you retained an experienced rider who helped to get the Kawasaki to a good level. That can only be an asset for the development of another engine.
Van Venrooy: “All our drivers are good to work with. We really have a nice group of riders – a good mix, so to speak. Lupino does all the testing on the bike because he has so much experience in it. So Alessandro is certainly an important link for us. This also helps the other riders with their adjustments.”
What influence does the corona crisis have on the operation of the team in terms of sponsorship and budget?
Van Venrooy: “This situation certainly also has an impact on our team and on our sponsors and their budgets. Many sponsors come from the motorcycle sector and they had to halt both production and sales. I think almost all teams will feel this. We will have to wait and see how things progress when we get a new calendar.”
Personally, I think drivers may have to settle for less salary for 2021. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, but it could also be extra difficult to guarantee a budget for three drivers next year.
Van Venrooy:“We have no idea yet what 2021 will bring. Our first task is to bring this season to a successful conclusion. We have not yet talked about 2021.”
Hopefully we will be riding again soon.
Van Venrooy: “Everyone wants that, but of course it has to be safe.”
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Photos: Yamaha, Eric Laurijssen, Niek Photography
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