On his first MX1GP…
The Grand Prix was awesome and we came out uninjured, which is a big plus point for this track because it was quite sketchy out there. In general I’m super-happy with my performance. On Saturday I didn’t know how it would be. I haven’t raced these guys on a 450. The motos are pretty long and with the 450 you need a lot of energy. In conditions like these I think the 350 might have been a little better because it is not as powerful but I chose the 450 because I have a lot of fun riding it.
On the motos…
In the first moto I had a small problem with the clutch. It was a little ‘mooshy’ and I stalled the bike. It might have been my fault a bit as well. I was behind Clement and he threw a rock up that broke my goggle and popped the lens out. I had a lot of dirt in my eyes. I tried to fight through that and also had a little tip over. Finally I could stay in the same position and that helped me for the overall. In the second moto I had another little goggle problem but it was OK by the end.
On the crowds at Teutschenthal…
I really appreciate the crowd being here and supporting me and all the other riders. I always give my best for them. I hope they enjoyed watching us.
On whether the AMA schedule of 17 SX and 12 MX races is actually that busy for AMA riders not to consider GP appearances…
For them there is no reason to come over. I actually didn’t miss many SX races because I did the East Coast rounds and also some on the 350. For me this was a chance to come and charge the batteries – like I did a few weeks ago in the International race at Gaildorf. It is tough over there [racing in the U.S.]. The heat is a lot to deal with as well as the travelling time. I’d arrive at an event, wake up at 6am race-day and have my last moto at 4.30. It is hectic and you get 15 minutes practice to learn a new track. I think if this meeting hadn’t been Teutschenthal for this final GP then I wouldn’t have raced. It is a busy schedule and the earlier you can take a break then the easier it is for your body. Even though there were rumours I knew from the beginning that no American would make it here.
On future possible GP appearances…
That would be great. I have a two year contract with KTM in the U.S but if we have the time and we’re 100% healthy then for sure I will come over to race GPs because this is still my home and I feel really comfortable. It is good to keep in touch with Europe.
On expectations for the Motocross of Nations…
Hmm it is hard to say. I haven’t been in the sand for a while but it is only a matter of getting used to it again. I hope we [Germany] can get on the podium but it is hard to go there with expectations because we are a team of three riders. Individually you can take care of yourself but there is not much I can do about Max and Marcus or their bikes.
On whether Lommel will be the best chance for a European win…
Actually yes. They don’t have any sand races over there. Southwick…you can almost compared it with here [Teutschenthal]. It is rock hard underneath and only a few berms. It gets rough but it is not a sand track. Lommel was changed midweek but it will get loose again and become much rougher. I am pretty sure we can do some damage.
