Evgeny Bobryshev insists he still has plenty to offer MXGP and says that a change of scene for the 29 year old will refresh his motivation to again hit the front of the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship. ‘Bobby’ has been told there will be no saddle for him in the HRC set-up in 2018 but Honda still have not announced details of a shake-up in structure. The Russian was told last month that he would not be included in the works team and thus ending an association that has been in place since 2011.

Bobryshev, who initially believed his contract would be renewed, is now searching for options as the final puzzles pieces of MXGP fall into place. He has been part of one of the most advanced development programmes in the sport in recent years and has been a Honda rider since he entered the premier class in 2010. A change of scene could spark new form for the strong but unlucky athlete who finished third in the 2015 MXGP series.

“It would be something new for me,” he says of the future. “First of all it is a shame that our paths are dividing with Honda. I have travelled many times to Japan and always been so welcome there. It was a good time and I’m thankful to all the team and the people at HRC that have always supported me. I cannot have any complaints. It is just a shame it has happened and so late.”

“A new bike and maybe a new brand would be like new air, new oxygen and I will be very motivated to work on that. I have been involved in a lot of development and many new things: frames, engines, prototypes for a long time. I have experience and have worked with many set-ups. I am not done. I know when I am well and I can work hard I can be there at the front,” he added.

Bobryshev, whose family is based in the Netherlands, has been connected with a possible third rider slot at Wilvo Yamaha but is searching widely in MXGP as well as other territories to find the right opportunity. “The important thing is to get a good crew and team around you that want to work together and always to improve,” he said. “The main thing is the group, so to move somewhere else is not a problem. I am looking everywhere, US, Australia and of course to stay here.”

Photos by Ray Archer