Maxime Renaux on MXGP-class debut: 'I really love Matterley Basin'
By Andrew Hill on 16th Feb 22
MXGP Matterley Basin Maxime Renaux
After bringing home Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2's first-ever world crown in the class, Maxime Renaux, this weekend at Matterley Basin steps up to the MXGP class with the Yamaha factory squad.
The 21-year-old rookie made a big splash on his 450cc debut at Lacapelle Marival, going unbeaten against some tough competitors at the French international. Hours ahead of the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Champion, Renaux says his winter preparation has gone to plan, and he feels ready for the new season with the YZ450FM underneath him.
A switch to the big bike hasn't fazed the Frenchman, and his mature attitude towards his first MXGP term appears to contradict his young years. "My goal for round one is to start steady," Renaux revealed. "I don't want to rush it, so the plan will be to get two good starts and two solid results to bank some good points for the championship.
"For me, this season will be about learning as much as possible and to push to the front.
"The 450 really suits my riding style, and we found some good settings I feel really good on the bike, and I am really looking forward to racing in Matterley; I really love the track there."
The last MX2 champion to move up to MXGP and win in their maiden year was Tim Gajser. Can Renaux repeat that feat? I don't think he'll be thinking about that at this stage. But with Red Bull KTM's Jeffrey Herlings out for the MXGP of Great Britain, along with KRT's Romain Febvre, it's an ideal chance to gain a good result and vital confidence for the long season ahead.
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