Bervoets talks Bellpuig

After Valkenswaard, Mantova and the soggy Agueda most GP riders are longing for a different type of soil. Bellpuig is indeed one of the hard pack classics on the World Championship calendar. This is the tenth consecutive year -since the track’s major update in 2001- to host a combined class motocross GP. From 1994 to 2000 the Circuit de Motocròs de Catalunya previously received the 125cc GP. Bellpuig is the fifth of the fifteen MX1 GP’s and LS Motors-Honda’s stars Tanel Leok and Davide Guarneri will be back on board their potent CRF450R’s ready to battle the best motocross riders in the world. While Guarneri and Leok are not the type to draw conclusions from past results, the Spanish track is a place where both of them have achieved great results.  Most notably was Guarneri’s 2008 MX2 GP win and the Estonian Express finished runner-up to Stefan Everts in 2006. We caught up with LS Motors-Honda sports manager Marnicq Bervoets for his view on the Catalunyan Grand Prix.

What do you think about the track in Bellpuig?
Marnicq Bervoets: “It’s a nice, fast track however it’s not so difficult. So many riders find a way to be fast there, but overtaking can be a real pain. I also think the differences in time practice will be very small. With the current temperatures it should be pretty hard pack, although they are turning the soil so that makes it a bit different.”

Track preparation in the world championship has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last years. Do you think it’s a good thing to turn the soil?
Marnicq Bervoets: “(smiles) I wish they did so when I was riding!  It makes the racing a bit less technical so in theory it helps to create closer racing. And frankly it’s just something you have to do now. Especially with four classes racing like we have this weekend, it prevents the soil from drying out and avoids dust.”

Both Leok and Guarneri should be doing well in Bellpuig, do you agree?
Marnicq Bervoets: “Absolutely, I know that Davide (Guarneri) is particularly looking forward to the Catalunyan Grand Prix. Physically it’s not the most demanding race, Davide often starts well and when he’s in the mix from the go he should be able to go a long way. Maybe it’s too much for him already to be fighting at the front in both motos, but I know he has the speed.”

Guarneri is making a name for himself as an MX1 rider this season. You guys have been working hard together over the winter it must be personally rewarding to see he’s doing well and that people value your efforts?
Marnicq Bervoets: “Of course, that’s the cool thing about passing on your knowledge and experience. However, you depend on your riders to get the results. They have to be willing to work and to listen. It’s motivating for everyone to see that you’re on the right track. That’s where I get the most satisfaction from.”

How much of difference does it make that you and the riders are not communicating in their mother tongue?
Marnicq Bervoets: “It does not really matter in the end. We all speak English and sometimes when I’m trying to explain something complicated I might be looking a little longer for the right words that’s all. In fact the communication between us works really well.”

There is no doubt about the speed of Tanel Leok, but in contrast to his pre-season race it seems he is struggling with his starts?
Marnicq Bervoets: “You’re right and it’s all between the ears! Starting is very much a mental issue. I have talked about this with Tanel and he knows it is an area where he struggles a little bit for the moment. While there is absolutely no reason! Leok is far too modest about his own abilities. When he’s on the gate next to Cairoli or another top rider he is talking himself down. It is all about self-belief. We are 110% convinced that when Tanel gets a good start he’s a regular podium contender, every single week. We will do everything to help him untap his full potential.  Can you believe that in the second race in Portugal he was so close to the front, even when he didn’t have a great start and stood dead still after the whoops at one point! He lost precious time behind Philippaerts as well. Just because he has too much respect. When you’re going faster than the guy in front of you there’s no time to waste. Whether it’s someone you expected to be faster or not does not matter.”

Credit foto's: CDS