Underdogs

While names like defending world MXGP champion Romain Febvre, and multi-time world champion Antonio Cairoli are the two favorites for this year’s MXGP title, there will be a long list of riders looking at trying to shock the world. Two riders have come through their winter preparation with a lot of confidence and really strong teams behind them.

HRC Factory rider Evgeny Bobryshev is riding probably better than ever, and after spending the cold European winter in the warmth of California, he feels like he has made the right changes to enter the 2016 title race with a very good chance of improving on his third place in 2015.

“I have more flow on the track now,” Bobryshev said. “The bike helps a lot, to ride this new style, we made some changes. We improved the engine, we also have the FMF pipes and that helps a lot. Also from Japan they developed new parts, which helps the power. We have better shifting with the timing and the bike is always pulling.

One things Bobryshev knows he has to look out for is making a mistake. While he might have ridden on the edge in the early part of his career, he now knows that being consistent and riding at 80% is a safer and more productive avenue.

“Now is the time the guys are pushing,” Bobryshev said. “They want to take it to the limit and at the moment the competition is really strong. Sometimes the take-off in the jumps are many ruts, and that makes it tough and dangerous, and at the moment it’s easy to make a mistake because everyone is on the limit to win.”

If anyone knows about staying fit and not taking risk it is Scotsman, Shaun Simpson. Simpson from the Wilvo Virus Performance KTM team has probably finished more GP’s than anyone else in the last two or three years, and his consistent approach to his career could be his biggest attribute in 2016.

“The ultimate goal for everyone is to be world champion,” Simpson said. “I think I am in there with a shout. I am excited at the prospect at that at the moment and I feel so comfortable on the bike and the pace I am riding. The boxes are getting ticked at the moment and I just need to keep it on two wheels and make no mistakes before the main race in Qatar in two weeks’ time.”

Like all the riders in the MXGP class the thought of lining up in Qatar is something that gives him a buzz. Always open for something new the Scotsman will be looking at riding at his best and starting the season with some momentum.

“It will come down to who brings their A-Game to Qatar,” Simpson said. “I mean some won’t be mentally strong, some guys have some silly little injuries and you just need to stay focused and believe in yourself and I know if I turn up with what I have to give I will be there or there about. I mean if you tried to pick the top five from Qatar you could be totally wrong. The younger guys from MX2, these guys are going to be interesting. I just try and concentrate on myself and I am not a spring chicken anymore and I know it’s not just about Qatar or Thailand. You need to be there every single weekend, and that is what pays off and I am looking at the long haul.”

For sure both Bobryshev and Simpson will enter the limelight if they can produce victory in Qatar, but both have their eyes set firmly on the big prize at the end of the championship in September.

PHOTO: Ray Archer