The new second member of the Teka Suzuki Europe World MX2 team is teenager Arnaud Tonus. The Swiss carries similarities to his team-mate Ken Roczen in that his riding style is certainly easy-on-the-eye and ever since he caught the attention of motocross fans by winning the Ricky Carmichael Award at the 2007 Motocross of Nations, Tonus has been further labelled as ‘one to watch.’ Polite, reserved and progressing rapidly, he embarks on just his second Grand Prix season in 2010.
Arnaud what did you do over the winter, anything different?
“We actually went a lot to Belgium to train this time and up until December the weather was pretty good and it was OK for riding. We got many laps done at Lommel and a lot of training done. The team is located very close to the track so we spent a long time together. In January I went to France for a while to find better conditions and I rode at a sand track near Bordeaux; many motos and some hard work! Overall the change of training for me was totally positive.”
Sand riding obviously helps your conditioning but did you also want to improve your speed on the terrain?
“For sure, last year was pretty bad for me on the sand; I was not so good. I knew it would be perfect training for me. Quite a few of the GP tracks became very rough with a lot of ruts, so I knew better physical condition and technique in the sand was necessary.”
How about moving to a team with the stature and connections of the Teka Suzuki Europe World MX2 set-up?
“I was impressed by how professional the team is and how much they want to help and support me. There is a very clear direction and for me, coming from a smaller team, it is a very big step. This is a big chance for me and I will do my best. It feels good that they believe in my potential but it also means that I am placing more pressure on myself and I hope to deliver.”
What were your thoughts on riding the RM-Z250 for the first time?
“My first impression was about the weight and handling. It felt very easy to ride and it was very easy to play with it. The suspension was another forward step for me and to find that stability gave me a lot of confidence to do what I want. The power was good on the bike I rode last year and I did not think the Suzuki would be that much different but I was surprised and found it to be better. Overall I have to say that the Suzuki feels perfect and I could not be happier. We still have some new parts to come, so there is a bit of testing and riding to do before Bulgaria but I know I have the right tools. I haven’t really had to change my style. The bike feels a bit smaller and I have been working more on my corner speed. I am at the stage where every time I push the bike I discover new things and it is always a pleasure to ride it.”
Having Ken as a team-mate means you have a very good rider alongside you...
“It is great being next to Ken and the main way in which I have seen this so far is through training and riding with him. I know he is the big star but has also been very friendly to me and is a good guy.”
What Grand Prix are you most looking forward to?
“I think Bulgaria. It is the first Grand Prix so it can be a bit tense but the track is good and it is nice to start the season at a place that I like. Most of the tracks are OK in the World Championship; I can’t say there is one I am not looking forward to.”
What are your objectives for the year?
“The goal should be to finish inside the top eight of the championship and reach the top five in the races. I am working towards podium results and I want to get better and keep improving. With the new team and bike I think I need a little bit of time to get up there but this is the aim.”
