Brent Van Doninck: “I belong in the top 10”
It has been six years since Brent Van Doninck (25) made his World Cup debut. Since then, the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha pilot has developed into a top-10 value in MX2, reached the podium in Valkenswaard and finished fourth twice with Team Belgium in the MX of Nations. However, the powerhouse from Herentals has shown over the past nine months that he has just as much potential in the MXGP.
What is the balance after three GPs?
Brent Van Doninck: “That the speed is certainly good and that I belong in the top 10. But here and there I had to deal with small problems, such as my glasses in the second heat in Maggiora and in England. The first series was good, I rode from 15th to 10th. Russia was similar. The first heat was also very good there, I finished seventh. At the start of the second series I crashed because I could not avoid the fallen riders in front of me... Well, it will take some time to achieve two decent results.”
Is it a surprise to you now that that speed is confirmed? Last year there was also that when you came in for Gebben Van Venrooy, but that was at the end of the season in very different circumstances, for many drivers there was nothing at stake anymore.
From Doninck: “I had actually already taken a step last year, even earlier in the season when I rode the Husqvarna for ASA United. Only I couldn't show myself because the team was focused on the British Championship. The fact that I didn't find a World Cup handlebar in 2020 was a wakeup call for me. That winter I trained very hard and that's where I made the switch. Thanks to that foundation, I have now been able to reconnect with the top.”
Many riders aim for a restart in a national championship in order to gain a place at the highest level again via wild cards. In practice, this rarely works. That certainly makes you an exception in MXGP. Do you see it that way yourself?
From Doninck: “Many boys indeed never play in the World Cup again if they no longer find a place. However, I never gave up, I continued to believe in it and I continued to work hard. Then I got that opportunity with Gebben for the last three GPs in Arco di Trento. I immediately showed beautiful things there and that is why I am here now. I am convinced that I can still achieve strong results this season.”
Was there something of a “coming home” or a return to the Yamaha feeling - for example in terms of frame - with which you performed well as an official Yamaha rider with Kemea in MX2?
From Doninck: “Bwah, not really. In the meantime, some things have been changed on the engine. My last season for Kemea dates back to 2017 and you cannot immediately compare the 450. I think the YZ450F suits me because it is also an aggressive bike. In addition, the team also allows you to work more professionally. That was difficult with ASA United where I had to manage with limited resources.”
Knowing your physique and riding style, the MXGP is also the class where you should perform best.
From Doninck: "Certainly. The last year in the MX2 I did indeed struggle with my weight because I was on a less powerful bike with the Honda. We had actually been saying for years that the 450 would suit me better. However, you also want to complete the MX2 chapter as much as possible until you reach the maximum age. There are guys who used to switch to MXGP, but that is not always a success.”
Should we keep that age limit of 23 in MX2? In Moto3, the first step of the MotoGP, the maximum age is 28. In the Motocross World Championship, all the top riders come together in the MXGP due to that rule in the regulations.
From Doninck: “In the US you have guys like Christian Craig who continues to ride 250SX as he turns 30! That rule has pros and cons. I don't see myself walking 250 steps again. On the other hand, there are also guys who do better on a 250. If you can't go back from MXGP to MX2, your career is basically over. That is very unfortunate.”
What is the balance of power within the team: Calvin Vlaanderen is the leader on paper, Kevin Strijbos is the veteran and you forced a place last year.
From Doninck: “Calvin has of course had a very nice MX2 career but it is a difficult question. I see myself as one of the fastest of the three, when I look at the results. However, the pieces of the puzzle still have to fall into place in one day. There is still a lack of regularity. Kevin's experience also helps to adjust the engine.”
Strijbos has already completed his list of achievements and is almost 36. I imagine he has a more relaxed view of competition and perhaps sees you less as pure rivals?
From Doninck: “Maybe, but the competitive spirit still remains. Kevin also still wants to perform. Sometimes it is quite difficult for me to express myself about adjustments. This is only my second year on a 450 and last season I was on a stock Husqvarna. So I don't have many references. Kevin, on the other hand, has a lot of experience, which makes it easier to convey certain things to the team.”
In that sense, his presence helps you.
From Doninck: “Yes, but he also has a very different driving style than myself. That's why I can't just take over too much of his input in terms of engine setup. However, the fact that he is there is definitely a plus for the team.”
You have a one-year contract, so it is also a matter of confirming it if possible. Better sooner than later, are there any races you have circled in red on the calendar?
From Doninck: “Gosh, you actually have to be there for a whole year. This was also evident last year after those great results in Arco di Trento. Of course I received congratulations left and right. On the other hand, you also feel that one outlier has a limited impact. Let's see it for a whole year, people say. In MX2 I was really looking forward to the sand competitions. I have now outgrown that and I now ride just as well on hard surfaces as in sand. In the MXGP, everyone can perform on almost any surface. I would have liked to go to Maggiora because it is one of my favorite courses.”
Then in Oss?
From Doninck: “We are going to do everything we can!”
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: shot by Bavo, CDS, Gebben Van Venrooy
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