As the MXGP World Championship gears up for another thrilling season, Maxime Renaux is ready to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed vigor and high hopes. Having dedicated his off-season to intense development work with Yamaha, Renaux has been utilizing pre-season races as a crucial testing ground, evaluating progress, experimenting with new bike parts, and regaining momentum after injuries that impacted his previous campaigns.
In an exclusive interview with Kevin Frelaud, Renaux opens up about his winter training, the changes made to his bike, his physical condition, the arrival of a new teammate, and his mindset heading into what he hopes will be a consistent and successful championship run.
The Quest for Answers
When asked about his approach to preparation races, Renaux reveals the key questions he aims to answer. In races like Pernes, where conditions were challenging, he explains the importance of gathering as much information as possible. It's about assessing how he and his bike perform in race-like scenarios, trying out new improvements, and addressing the notorious arm pump issue that riders often face.
The 450 YZ-F: A Work in Progress
The talk surrounding the Yamaha package last year was intense, with many questioning its completeness. Renaux acknowledges the progress made during the winter but remains cautious, stating that they are yet to determine if these changes truly make them better. He expresses satisfaction with his bike's performance but highlights the importance of starts in MXGP, which will be a crucial indicator of their progress this season.
A New Teammate, a New Perspective
With the arrival of Tim Gajser as his new teammate, Renaux shares his thoughts on the added pressure or motivation this brings. He sees Gajser as a formidable competitor regardless of his team, emphasizing that his objective is to become world champion, which means outperforming all rivals, including Gajser. Renaux believes Gajser's presence brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience to the team, which Yamaha can leverage to their advantage.
Overcoming Injuries: A Physical Update
When asked about his physical condition, Renaux provides an honest assessment. He reveals that he has started running again, something he couldn't do for the past two years due to issues with his right foot. He discusses his arthrodesis procedure and how it limits his rotational movement, but assures that it doesn't hinder his performance. Renaux also opens up about his femoral head injury, a result of a hard crash in Switzerland, which he believes impacted his performance last year.
The Ducati Rumors: Trusting Yamaha Again
Addressing the rumors of a potential move to Ducati, Renaux provides insight into the discussions and decisions that led to him staying with Yamaha. He admits to having intense development discussions with Yamaha, which created some friction. However, he emphasizes their commitment to finding common ground and honoring their contract. Renaux decided to trust Yamaha again, hoping that the results this year will justify their efforts.
Reflecting on MXGP Seasons: Learning and Growing
As Renaux embarks on his fifth year in MXGP, he reflects on his journey so far. Despite injuries every year, he has consistently finished in the top three when injury-free. Renaux acknowledges the need to eliminate injuries and reduce risks, adopting a wiser approach to racing. His goal for this year is to complete a full season without major injuries, and he aims to achieve this by allowing a margin of safety and accepting finishes outside the top two to avoid pushing his luck.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
In a thought-provoking discussion about the impact of social media on riders' lives, Renaux shares his perspective. He acknowledges the presence of social media and the exposure it brings, both positive and negative. Initially affected by negative opinions, Renaux has learned to detach himself, understanding that it's part of the job. He emphasizes the importance of respect and the role social media plays in creating excitement and engaging fans. Ultimately, he believes that riders should focus on their sport, their families, and building their own worlds, unaffected by the transient nature of social media opinions.
