Eight times world motocross champion, Antonio Cairoli, continues to show that his career is long but over. The Italian legend, from the Red Bull KTM Factory team put together a brilliant performance to go 1-1 at the Losail circuit in Qatar.
He then backed it up with a solid points haul in the mud in Indonesia, to go into the third round in Argentina with the red plate. Geoff Meyer caught up with the red plate owner about his two weekends.
How do you feel about your weekend in Indonesia?
Championship wise it was good. The track was a nice track, just the weather conditions were bad all week. At least we could ride a moto and we got a fourth place, so the championship is okay. I think it’s great that my team-mate made the podium, he works hard with me. I didn’t have a great start and I lost some positions, because I didn’t want to get stuck somewhere. I was in 14th or 13th, but I managed to ride safely and some crashed, and some got stuck in the mud.
If you looked at the top ten or top 12, a lot of the older guys in there: Tanel Leok, Rui Goncalves, Jeremy Van Horebeek. Those guys of guys. That isn’t a surprise is it?
It’s important to have good experience in these type of races. I am really happy to have a lot of experience in these type of mud races, and I started carefully. I knew that this track could catch you out quickly. We got a good fourth place and we know Shaun [Simpson] is good in these conditions and he riders in these conditions all the time. Also Glenn [Coldenhoff] and Clement [Desalle], I was happy to see them on the podium. I am happy to be battling with Clement for the championship, but anything can happen.
I noticed on one occasion you were about to go through the mud and somebody got stuck in front of you, and you got wide-ways and nearly got caught. Did that happen very often?
You know your heart beat goes up and down and you could get stuck anywhere, any time and it was tricky. You need to do enduro style and wait until some riders go past and see what they did, but it was also fun.
Did you have a special line through the mud?
I didn’t have a special line. I just watched the others in front of me and see where people pass, but I am light and I have a strong bike. I could save it sometimes, while others were more unlucky than me.
Can you tell me what happened between the riders meeting with FIM, and when that final moto was cancelled?
You know, the jury wasn’t ready on a decision, so we didn’t know what was going on. We got dressed and the race direction did a good job because it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I think it was the right decision.
I know there wasn’t a lot to do on the island, but the people on this island are so friendly, and I know you like these types of experiences.
Actually, it felt like a home Grand Prix. So many fans over here in Indonesia, and I am so glad we come to this place. I hope we can come back again and next time with better weather.
What did you do while you were here. I noticed you got a little sunburnt, so maybe the beach?
I am Italian—from the South—but I get burnt like a Norwegian guy. There wasn’t that much sun, but I still get burnt. We went to some beaches, ate some nice local foods, and really had a good time here.
What will you do leading into Argentina?
We go back to Italy, prepare a little and take a little rest because two weeks traveling makes you a bit tired. We will train a little, and be ready for Argentina. I really like that track, and the South American fans are so happy to see us. So I look forward to seeing them also.
