Five minutes with Pauls Jonass
In the list of 'big hitters', Pauls Jonass (Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing) is not mentioned that often before the new season. However, we would not be surprised if the sympathetic Latvian surprises again. We spoke to PJ just before the World Cup starts in Russia.
After injury problems in 2020, Pauls Jonass is ready to lead GasGas to new successes in the MXGP World Championship! Jonass won 11 GPs in MX2 and won youth world titles in the 85 and 125cc. Since moving to the top class in 2019, the Latvian has climbed the MXGP podium several times and proven that he is just as capable on a big bike as he is on a 250. After a year with many injuries in 2020, Pauls is back completely back and enjoying life on his MC 450F. Here's what the Standing Construct GASGAS Factory Racing rider has to say about his pre-season training, his dancing skills at the gate and the year ahead...
First of all Pauls, how are you Bongo cha, cha, cha? (Watch here the dance steps from Pauls!)
Paul's Jonass: “Ha, I'm fine, thanks. Always nice to keep training fun!”
But seriously, you seem to have chosen your start!
Jonas: “Yes, we worked hard for it. Everyone knows how important starts are. I feel good, let's see how it goes this weekend.”
How are you doing after your super long off-season? Everything indicates that you are now top fit, 100% healthy, and ready for the first round of the MXGP?
Jonas: “Yes, I am 100% healthy now. A lot of good work has been done, both on and off the bike, so I feel good and ready to go racing. It'll be my first race in a while, over a year actually, so it's been a long time. I now feel better than ever on the 450. With the Standing Construct GASGAS team we have worked very well together and I can't wait to start racing.”
Like you said, you've been away from the motocross circuit for a long time. Racing is your job, but wasn't it difficult to maintain your motivation?
Jonas: “Luckily I'm not a rider who needs motivation. I know what needs to be done and you could say that the hard work and training comes easily to me. The hardest part was not knowing when we were going to race due to some delays in the schedule, but that's the same situation for everyone. I have a very good base with my fitness so it was easy to adapt my training to be ready for Russia.”
Going back to your Instagram post, you seem to be really enjoying your workout. Will we see a little gate prep dance in Russia this weekend?
Jonas: "We will see! I like to keep the mood light during training days, and I like to create some fun for my followers. We are drivers, but at the same time we are real people. People should be more positive and enjoy moments more, that is certainly fun.”
So, a new team, a new bike and a fresh new look for 2021! You must be excited about your changes for this season…
Jonas: "Absolute! A whole new look for me this season, which is exciting and I'm definitely going for some good results this year, for the team and GASGAS, and also for the team's sponsors. I just want to repay everyone for their belief in me this season.”
Unlike some of your MXGP rivals, you have chosen not to participate in the pre-season races. Why was that?
Jonas: “The original plan was to run some of the more 'classic' pre-season races, but unfortunately those were cancelled. Because I didn't know when the first MXGP race would take place, I decided together with the team to just concentrate on the MXGP and not do smaller races. The season ends in December and that is a very long period. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities, so I'm not worried at all about not racing for the spring races.”
Do you think it will take a few races to 'loosen up' before we see what Pauls Jonass is really capable of this year?
Jonas: “I guess we'll see. The aim is to get some good results in the first few rounds and make a consistent start to the season. It will be important to stay healthy and then continue to build as the season progresses. Halfway through the season, with many back-to-back races, a lot of points can be made up or lost, so being strong, being there every week and being smart, that becomes really important.”
How excited are you for your home GP in Latvia?
Jonas: “My home GP is always a special one. It's never been this early in the season, so there will still be a lot of the early season excitement around it, which will be fun. I missed it last season and there were three at Kegums, so to be racing in front of the fans at home again will be a great feeling. I'm really looking forward to it and if I can be at the front, that's perfect.
Finally, we have to ask: what are your expectations for 2021? Do you see yourself returning to your 2019 level, or perhaps improving this season?
Jonas: “At the moment I feel really good in myself and also on the bike. I feel better than ever, so I just have to be smart and stay healthy. If I can do that, and get strong results early in the season, then I can keep building and I really believe I can improve on my 2019 pace. I was on the podium then in my first season on a 450, so I know I can do it, and I think 2021 can be a very good season for me at the GASGAS.”
Photos: GasGas/ShotbyBavo
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