Interview: Romain Febvre talks MXGP
By TMX Archives on 25th Feb 16
A major question to be answered once the 2016 FIM Motocross World Champ kicks off this weekend in Quatar is whether reigning champion Romain Febvre will continue where he left off as a dominant force in MXGP competition.
Over the past 12 months the Frenchman has come a long way.
The newcomer that nobody counted as a title favourite early in 2015 went on to secure a total of 15 moto wins and eight GP victories.
Providing his own convincing answer to the pre-season buzz focusing solely on Ryan Villopoto and Toni Cairoli, he clinched the MXGP title in his first attempt.
But things are different now. When the gate drops Febvre will be anything but the ‘outsider'.
With a target on his back the No.461 will begin the defence of his world title against a full, fresh and focused MXGP grid.
Looking forward to this new challenge TMX caught up with the Frenchman to learn more about what it's like starting the new season as the rider everyone wants to beat...
TMX: Romain, it's said defending a title is tougher than winning one the first time. Is that how you see things?
RF: "There are people saying a second world title is always harder than a first one. But I see things in a different way. For me it was way harder to get that first title, especially being a complete rookie in the MXGP class.
There were things I didn't know but learned during the season. I learned how to manage pressure and how to approach each race. I got a bunch of experience and now I'm planning to make the most of it.”
TMX: Is the ‘extra pressure' something that worries you?
RF: "I know what it takes to be world champion and having that extra knowledge gives me loads of confidence. I believe it's all about knowing what you can achieve and having the correct people around to help you do it. I'm lucky to have a team that's standing 100 percent by my side.
The way I see things, it's going to be easier in 2016 as I can start the new season more relaxed. I can take it easy in the first round and then build on the momentum I've got from last year.”
TMX: How important was it for you to keep riding and racing throughout the off-season?
RF: "I don't like staying away from a bike. It makes me scared I'll lose track of my preparation for the year to come. Even in the off-season I ride at least once a week to keep the flow. It's been a crazy couple of months since last season officially ended.
I went to the US, raced in Japan and got a taste of supercross racing. It was a busy winter but that's how I wanted it to be. I didn't take much time away from the bike. In the middle of January I got down to Sardinia and that's where the main part of my preparation took place.”
TMX: From an MXGP rookie who enjoyed doing things in the privacy of his own surroundings to a world champion – how has life changed over the past 12 months?
RF: "My life is the same basically. The only thing that's different is the way people and the media approach me.
Everywhere I go there's so many more people to talk to and interviews to give.
To be honest I struggled in the beginning. I wasn't used to the attention. But I had the right people around me so I learned to handle it way better.
At the end of the day it goes down to how well you organise everything. I'm just glad there are people around that help me a lot.”
TMX: After such a great season, in what ways do you expect 2016 to be different?
RF: "It's a completely new challenge. And I expect things to be difficult. There'll be lots of great riders behind the gate. It's not just Qatar, Thailand, or simply the first few rounds of the series. It's going to be another long season and 18 rounds to win or lose it all.
TMX: What's of greater importance, to start the series with GP victories or to remain consistent and build on that during the season?
RF: "Winning races is one thing but being there week in week out is a different story. If you want to win a championship the most difficult thing is to be consistent in every race. Victories are the best thing that could happen but unfortunately it's not possible every time.
But it's the same for everyone. If you look at the 2016 grid there's just so many guys in MXGP who can win races. It's the same challenge for everyone and I just hope to get the best shot at the title again.”
TMX: As the defending champion surely you're only interested in retaining your world title?
RF: "I want to win again, I'm not planning to be fifth or sixth that's for certain. I just want to get some good results in the first rounds and then continue building on that. I'd like to get things rolling the way I did in 2015.
I took it easy in the first few rounds to check my speed and find my limits. I also had the chance to see how others were doing at that time. Once I got everything in the right place I could start looking for the results. I have a similar plan of attack for 2016 and the key is to take each race separately.”
