Xavier Boog confirmed 2 more seasons with Kawasaki
By TMX Archives on 28th Jul 10
Xavier Boog, already crowned MX1 French Champion two weeks ago and currently sixth in the MX1 World Championship, has been confirmed by Kawasaki as a factory rider for the next two seasons. Boog, the leading Kawasaki rider in the MX1class this year, will line-up next season alongside Jonathan Barraganin the Kawasaki Racing Team.
"For next season we have two ofthe best MX1 riders with Jonathan and Xavier. Jonathan was reallyunlucky with injuries this year but we all know that he can win GPs,and Xavier is the best rookie rider in the MX1 class. His riding styleand his mentality suits Kawasaki perfectly; he learnt very quickly howto be fast and consistent on a 450, which requires a totally differentapproach than in the MX2 class. He surprised me with his consistency onevery track, and for sure with more experience he will be even strongerin 2011”, said Steve Guttridge, the European Race Planning Manager fromKawasaki Motors Europe. It was the right time to ask the youngFrenchman, who has already finished in the top five at five GPs thisyear, a few questions.
Xavier, Kawasaki Europe and KawasakiRacing Team confirmed you for two more seasons in the team. Does thisgive your confidence a boost for the rest of this year's GPs ?
"Forsure it has a positive effect. I'm very happy to have signed a new twoyear deal with Kawasaki. I had some talks with other teams, but mypriority was to stay in green; everything is going perfectly with KRT,and I feel comfortable on the KX450F-SR Kawasaki. This year Idiscovered a new team, a new bike, and the best way to be stronger andbetter next season is to keep on working with the same people. We won'tlose time this winter getting to know each other, and I have a greatrelationship with Jonathan Barragan who will be my teammate nextseason. I'm sure that we will work together even closer this winter toprepare for 2011."
Two-thirds of the way through the GP season you're sixth in the standings. Were you expecting such a good result ?
"Yes,actually I was expecting to do well, but that doesn't always mean thatyou can achieve it. My personal goal was to be in the top ten of theseries, but I have been pretty consistent with only one DNF during thetwenty heats we raced so far, and the results are even better than whatI expected. And the season is not finished yet!"
Did you think you could ride for a podium this season?
"Ididn't think that I could battle with riders such as Cairoli, Desalle,Ramon, Philippaerts or De Dycker this year; I was not expecting to rideat their level for my first season on a 450. But I am improving withevery race; I am now capable of setting the fastest time in a practicesession and have battled for a podium result in the GPs. It was afterPortugal and Spain in May that I realized what I am capable of in thisclass, and now I am no longer satisfied if I finish a race eighth orninth. But to be realistic several riders have been injured, and thathas helped me to get some top results."
After four campaigns on a 250, how was it to move on a 450?
"Ireally like this bike, as it is better suited to my riding style. Idon't like to be aggressive, I like to ride smoothly, so the 450 ismuch better for me. I did a couple of German Championship races on a450 three years ago, so I expected it to be easy for me to switch tothe bigger bike."
After the injuries to Jonathan Barraganand Sebastien Pourcel you were alone in the KRT awning for severalraces. Did you feel some more pressure?
"Yes, because it wasthe first time that I had so many people working around me! But to behonest the pressure that I feel is the pressure that I put on my ownshoulders; nobody in the team put any pressure on me. I want to thankall of them, they didn't change anything when I was alone; this year Iwas there to learn and prepare for 2011, for sure it will be differentnext year. But I am confident that we will work hard during winter timeand I will be ready."
You have now some experience on the KX450F-SR; do you know what you will have to work on this winter?
"Iwill not change many things, but I will focus on some points; forexample I will do more physical training as you need more strength on a450. We will continue to develop the bike and test parts; we alreadytest a lot with the team and the bike is already really good."
It seems that the first part of a race is not the best period for you; many times you need several laps to find your rhythm?
"Itdepends on the track. When it's physical like in Latvia for sure I havesome problems during the early laps, but in Germany I posted fast laptimes straight after the start. It seems that on a demanding layout Iunconsciously don't give my best straight away during the first fewlaps, maybe my body wants to save some energy. That's a point I willhave to work on this winter."
You claimed the French MX1title, and you are on the list of riders who could ride the Motocrossof Nations. It's definitively been a great season for you.
"TheFrench title was my main goal this season, and I'm glad that I got itat the penultimate race. It's the first time that I have won a title;that's important for me, my family, my fans, the team and our partners.Concerning the Nations it would be a dream to be part of the Frenchteam; I have never been selected for a team race, and for sure I hopethat I will be selected by the French Federation."
Youfinished 4th in Portugal and USA, 5th in Italy, Germany and Latvia, doyou think that you can get your first MX1 podium soon ?
"Everyoneasks me this question, and you can be sure that I want it as soon aspossible ! We have five more GP to go, but two of them are on toughsandy tracks so there will be three real opportunities for me. The sandis not a problem for me, but it will be difficult to get a top resultin Lommel or Lierop with so many strong and experienced MX1 sandriders, but I will give my best, as always."