Belgian Champion Clement Desalle is the new face in the factory Teka Suzuki World MX1 team for 2010. The 20 year old winner of two of the final-three Grands Prix of the 2009 FIM World Championship arrives after a sensational season in which he reached third place in the final MX1 classification.
A hard-charger and with a wonderfully aesthetic riding style, Desalle is the hottest youngster in the premier class and will tackle the upcoming campaign for the first time as a Works rider.
Clement, how was the winter period for you?
“Pretty good. We went to Portugal with the team and we got know each other. I did not alter anything with my training schedule or programme. I worked with my father, as usual, and we spent some time in Spain. I have a friend who lives in Malaga and we travelled down for two weeks and then visited again for another week. It was a good scenario because Belgium, Germany and northern France were like ice at the start of the year! I mixed riding and physical training there but took advantage of the good conditions to get more time on the bike. My aim was to build my condition step-by-step and that has been OK so far.”
Your profile and rise in the World Championship has also been step-by-step. You said before that you always want to improve on the previous season’s results. You were 3rd in 2009:
“Yes, so there are only two places left to go! I always look ahead and how I can improve. This is the right team for me to do that. I am very impressed by the professionalism and when I need or want something changed or want to try something new, then it is done immediately. This is quite a new experience for me.”
What about the factory bike?
“Well, it means a step up for me. This is a factory team and I can change anything I want on the bike and really make it good for my style and needs. I was riding the Suzuki in 2008 so I am familiar with the character of the RM-Z and I like the chassis and delivery of the engine power very much.”
Will you defend the Belgian Championship this year?
“No, because I will do four races in Germany and I cannot do the full Belgian series. I will be at some races but it is very important to take care of yourself physically over the season. I was really happy to win the Belgian title last year and it was a special moment for me, but now I will concentrate on the Grands Prix.”
You have a good style that has won fans. You won’t need to change this or your race approach with the demands of being a front-runner and a factory rider?
“No, no way! I cannot change my style and I want to have fun on the bike. It will always be like this. I knew I would have more attention and responsibility when I made the decision to come to this team, but this is what I wanted. As for how the change will affect me, then we will have to see during the season but I am not worried.”
What is the story behind your race number of 25?
“In 2001 I was racing the 85cc championship in France and I was given this number. I did not think much of it but then in my first World Championship season I finished 25th and it came back around and the number grew on me.”
Finally, any particular aim for 2010?
“I get this question all the time! When I am on the bike I simply do my best; what happens will happen.”
