Antti Pyrhonen interview

Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna Factory team manager Antti Pyrhonen is very much a man of the sport. Just like so many other team managers in the GP paddock Pyrhonen is a former GP racer and a person who has spent his whole life around the sport of motocross.

So much so that he actually even worked in a Husqvarna dealership as a young child. We sat down and asked him about the Husqvarna team and how it feels to be working for such a strong company.

Q: Antti, obviously the link between KTM and Husqvarna is very strong, but I get the feeling Husqvarna are spreading their wings a little and flying in their own path. How do you feel that that?

Pyrhonen: Actually everyone knows KTM and Husqvarna are the same company, and we have a close cooperation, and it will always be like that. As race teams we are doing well, but of course its different teams and different brands and we try and compete and be the best, that is normal in racing. Husqvarna is in its second year, and it’s getting more established, both in sales and racing. Step by step there will be a separation but it is just going great. In the marketing and in the racing it’s strong.

Q: It must be an honor to be involved with such a big brand, with so much heritage in the sport, maybe the biggest brand ever if you look at their past glories.

Pyrhonen: You know for me it’s a dream come true. For me Husqvarna is the brand, and you know when I was a boy the Husqvarna importer, one of the oldest Husqvarna importers was actually in my town. I had my first summer job there and I know the history of Husqvarna and it’s great. It is growing back to be one of the biggest brands in the motocross paddock. Their marketing with older riders and the history is really great to know and nice to see. I am in such a great position that I can meet the old hero’s like Thorsten Hallman, when a man like Thorsten says Antti your factory team is working well and really professional and that gives me so much satisfaction.

Q: What about the plans for 2016?

Pyrhonen: We have a two year agreement with Max and we are so happy with how he works and how we welded together in the season. Regarding the second rider, currently it is open and we need to see how the season goes on. Both Todd and Nathan are improving week after week and we like what they do.

Q: You seem to do a good job with your riders. What has been the biggest thing you have learnt from being the team manager?

PyrhonenL I think the biggest thing is to work with people. This is such a multi-task job and you can improve in many things so pointing out one thing is tough, but I would say managing the people is the most challenging and on this side I am lucky we have a really great team with a great group of people. I have learnt to select good people around me.