MX Diary: Tony's back on top in Germany
By TMX Archives on 11th May 16
Red Bull KTMs Tony Cairoli took his first GP win in almost a year in Germany and afterwards praised his team and factory 450SX-F.
Two fast starts were key to the 30-year-old's success at Teutschenthal with the Sicilian also crediting the rough and rutted track as being easier on the nerve damage he's still trying to contend with in his shoulder.
"My starts are going so good and we made some changes on the bike this week with some new parts coming from Austria and the bike is amazing,” he said. "We have improved so much. I would not say it is the most perfect bike I have had – but almost.
"I cannot say really what we were testing because it is new stuff for a new bike. We made improvements during the week engine-wise and also with the suspension.”
It's believed that Cairoli benefitted from a revised chassis for the 450SX-F that could be pre-production and also some revised engine modifications that helped him get out of the gate.
The former champion admitted he was working on building more physical strength as he deals with the nerve damage sustained in a pre-season crash.
"It is difficult when they pass you and you don't have the power to respond. This is not the 250 class – the bike is strong and heavy and you can fly very high if you are not fit and consistent. Inside you know you can do better – but not yet. I think I can be a bit better every weekend.
"I never lost my confidence but this problem was the worst I've ever had. When you have a broken bone then you feel the problem. Now I don't feel any problem but when I am on the bike I feel that this muscle does not grow any more. It is difficult for me to hold on.
"We spoke with the doctor this week and it is not really growing. We will try to do something else to make this muscle ‘alive' again on the shoulder and to hold on better, especially on a fast track. I know the guys are going very fast at the moment and the level is very high.”
With two ‘home' GPs this season – Trentino this weekend and the Grand Prix of Lombardia in June – Cairoli also spoke about the pressure of racing in Italy.
"For sure it is difficult for me. I have a lot of media events during the week and the Italian fans are not the easiest! If you are not first or second they already think you are finished!
"This is difficult but I will try for a good result – as always – and try not to feel the pressure. It is important for me to try and finish
on the podium every weekend. We are coming closer to the top.”
