Fujinami aims to be back on the podium in Bolzano
By G2F on 20th Feb 09
With just two rounds of the 2009 SPEA FIM Indoor Trial World Championship remaining Takahisa Fujinami Repsol Montesa HRC sits in fourth place in the general standings, ironically this is the exact same position he finished in 2008. The extrovert and highly entertaining Japanese factory star recognises that he must be back on the podium at the next round in Bolzano if he is to improve on his overall performance of last year.
The ever positive and optimistic Fujinami explained. "With the four Spanish riders being so strong indoors it is never easy to arrive on the podium, but that has been my aim this season. I made a really good result in Sheffield, which was a bit of a shock for everyone, me included. After that I was quite satisfied with my ride in Marseille, as I was close to third place. So I went to Barcelona with some good confidence as I thought the Spanish riders would be nervous in front of their home crowd.”
"Barcelona is always a special event with many big steps, maybe too many? This really suits Toni Bou and Adam Raga, but for the other riders this is really a tough test. It is difficult to get your rhythm when you take so many fives very early in the sections, so from this point of view I would prefer the sections to be more technical, rather than just big steps.” Takahisa continued.
Prior to the recruitment of Bou, the four stroke Montesa did not look at its best indoors, although as Toni continues to prove the Cota 4RT appears to have made progress in the right direction. Fujinami explained why. "We have made some good changes to the bike especially with the engine. This is the single biggest improvement and has really brought a good feeling to the bike now. We have also worked with the suspension too, with particular attention for the indoor events, as this is so important on these types of sections.”
Takahisa concluded, by adding. "I think Toni is the clear favourite now to take the title, after that there are three riders who can be second in the championship when it closes in Madrid. If I am to challenge for this position I know I must be back on the podium when we arrive in Bolzano. Normally this is a good event with technical sections of a good level.”
2009 SPEA FIM INDOOR TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONHIP
Round 1 – Sheffield – England
03 January - Saturday
Round 2 – Marseille - France
24 January – Saturday
Round 3 – Barcelona – Spain
08 February – Sunday
Round 4 – Bolzano – Italy
26 February – Thursday
Round 5 – Madrid – Spain
14 March – Saturday
Current FIM championship standings:
1: Bou 22, 2: Cabestany 16,
3: Raga 16, 4: Fujinami 13, 5: Fajardo 9,
6: Brown 5, 7: Lampkin 4, 8: Gubian 1
For more information please visit www.fim-live.com