Five minutes with Dave Geurts
Mechanic Dave Geurts (Standing Construct GasGas) has been working in the GP paddock for some time. Together with his riders he built up a considerable track record. However, the modest Limburger also knows how relative fame is and which efforts precede success. In the run-up to the first confrontation in 'our own region' in Oss and the home GP of Brian Bogers, we brought Dave in front of the microphone.
Geurts has not stolen his nickname. After all, the list of top teams and drivers for whom @factorydave worked is exhaustive. Max Nagl, Steffi Laier, Nikolaj Larsen, Glenn Coldenhoff, Kevin Strijbos, Arnaud Tonus and Ken De Dycker, all used his key skills at some point.
Now he takes care of ex-MX2 world champion Pauls Jonass. He achieved 11 GP victories in the quarter liters and already recorded three podiums in his rookie MXGP year. Jonass, 24 now, has already won two top-4 motos with GasGas, which makes him one of the outsiders in the MXGP.
Can you compare PJ to the drivers you used to work for?
Dave Geurts: “You can compare him with Arnaud Tonus, also a very jovial boy. He always puts in a lot of effort, is friendly and grateful to work for. Actually, I've been very lucky to work for good guys. Top people who are pleasant to deal with and who appreciate what you do. Moreover, Pauls is also a go-getter, it is not without reason that he has already been world champion.”
Have you noticed that Jonass is eager for sporting revenge after his passage at factory Husqvarna where he had to deal with injuries?
Geurts: “Certainly, he is keen to perform. Pauls has had a very good preparation and feels good about himself. He also feels completely at home at Standing Construct GasGas. That means he really wants to give something back to the team. We have given him the freedom to train and work his way, which he really appreciates.”
The fact that he can do his own thing is a slightly different approach for him than at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna MXGP?
Geurts: “That's possible, at least he feels free here. We will adjust him if necessary, but we give him a lot of confidence.”
In the first three GPs we saw five decisive riders (Gajser, Herlings, Cairoli, Febvre and Prado). Can Pauls compete with that?
Geurts: “Maybe it is still a little too early for him because he has missed more than a year of top-level competition. If he starts in the top 3, Jonass will be in contention for the podium. He will have to be at his best for a win. On a good day that is certainly possible. Pauls has plenty of talent and determination.”
There is a lot of common DNA between the Husqvarna 450 and GasGas 450. Could Jonass simply continue to build on his settings from the past two seasons?
Geurts: “No, not. We have our way of working and Pauls immediately indicated that he had confidence in our experience. We actually left with the engine we had built for Glenn (ed. Coldenhoff) as a basis. No more than minor adjustments were necessary and Jonass is now very satisfied with the GasGas factory.”
Standing Construct GasGas is responsible for the development of the engine block. This means that there are also very short lines.
Geurts: "Beats. This way we can respond quickly to the driver's wishes. Jonass is very pleased with the power and rideability of the engine. So that approach does work.”
How different is Jonass as a rider compared to Coldenhoff, in terms of setup?
Geurts: “There are not that many differences. Glenn is a little more precise in terms of adjustments, he is a little more sensitive to that sweet spot, the setup that works best for him. For Pauls, the setting he feels good about is a little wider. Other than that we really haven't changed much. Of course, parts have also been improved, we do that every year because otherwise you stand still!”
Technicians sometimes also fulfill an additional role in addition to the technical one. To motivate or mentally support their rider.
Geurts: “Pauls is not lacking in motivation! He doesn't like a lot of pressure, but he likes to be reassured. That's important to him. It is always nice for a driver to hear that he is doing well. Or the way feedback is given. There were no reasons yet to be negative. After all, what he has shown so far is promising. He is not someone who will drive faster if you break him down. With that positive approach he will certainly come into his own.”
How does the interaction between Brian Bogers and Pauls Jonass work? Do they train together?
Geurts: “They are free in that. They can train together or separately. By the way, Brian and Pauls get along well. Jonass goes to French tracks more often, while Bogers prefers to drive in the Netherlands.”
Good luck next weekend.
Geurts: "Thank you!"
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: P Acevedo, shotbyBavo, Red Bull Contentpool/Samo Vidic
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