Alexandr Tonkov made the move to the Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube team in 2016, and it’s a decision he doesn’t regret.
Don’t be surprised to see Tonkov on the podium in the near future. With a—for him—better feel on the bike and a year of experience, the Russian rider will enjoy a strong season. If he can stay away from injury.
Last year wasn’t a great year for you, was it?
I mean it was going good. I was consistent until [Tim] Gajser landed on me and I landed on a metal post. My shoulder went out, I had surgery and I was out for four or five months. Now we changed the team. I am really happy with the change, my mechanic is with me and also other people I know. My brother is working with me. I was so excited to start the season. Overall I feel great and the bike is awesome.
How is the change from Husky to Yamaha?
You know the bike is great from the first day. We worked on some power things and suspension, but overall the bike was pretty good for me. I know what I was doing. The Husqvarna was great, but I couldn’t find myself on that bike. I just never really got comfortable, and I struggled with the front end. If you see most of my crashes in the last couple of years, it was always the front end washing out. Little mistakes and I needed some changes. I had a good chance to move to Yamaha and it will be a long season, but if we keep working like this it will be ok.
You are one of the few who has beaten Jeffrey Herlings. What is the goal in 2016?
Tonkov: I mean of course; Jeffrey is pretty strong. I saw him in Valence and some other races, and he is fast. He is just a human though and I have raced with him before and beaten him once in my life. I know I can do it and I maybe just need some time. You have to be consistent and the goal isn’t to beat Jeffrey, because if you see his results the last two years he didn’t win a Championship because of injury. We just do our thing and see what happens. The goal is a title for everyone.
Do you enjoy the races in Qatar and Thailand?
Qatar it’s a nice race, it isn’t a long flight, it’s a nice city, and you see how it grows. I like the night race. I don’t like Thailand. It’s too hot and I am from Siberia, so the heat isn’t good for me. That is why I also prefer not to fly direct to Thailand and go home. I am sad we don’t go to Malaysia and I love going to the new places and travel—always nice to see the different cultures. When will I go to these places without racing motocross. Here we can say thanks to MXGP for organizing this.
