Red Bull KTM Factory rider Glenn Coldenhoff scored a very nice podium finish in the single moto at the Grand Prix of Indonesia two weeks ago. The Dutchman, who struggled a little with the bike in 2016 seems to have found a better setup and his results are showing that.
Just like his fellow Dutchman Jeffrey Herlings, he didn’t make a long trip to Indonesia, instead flying home to ride and train, and then returning just before the race. Surprisingly, making a late-night flight out of Jakarta on Sunday night.
He was kind enough to chat with us at the Grand Prix of Indonesia.
How did you feel in that first round in Qatar?
I was ok from the first round. I was disappointed with the results, made too many mistakes in the first moto. The second moto was a little bit better, but I just didn’t have the speed and I was bummed about that. I had a solid ninth, and I need to be in the top ten every weekend.
Did you stay in Indonesia between Qatar and the second round or fly home?
I went home to sing in the rain in Lommel, so I was used to the mud. I had a good time at home—my own food, my own bed. We had a direct flight to Jakarta from Amsterdam, but the flight was easy. Had it not been maybe I would have gone to Indonesia the whole week, but it worked out well.
Saturday was cancelled in Indonesia. How was the track on the Saturday?
The track was terrible. I never rode a track as bad as that before. I mean the guys worked on it on Saturday, but if he rained again, then I doubt we could have ridden on Sunday. It was really bad out there.
Obviously, a podium in Indonesia. You must have been happy with that?
It was a great moto. I had a great start—thanks to the team for that because we changed a few things and now I’m really happy—and got into the lead. I rode easy but there was one part of the track that was really difficult. I got through it every lap and this was the key. I put all my energy in that one section. I’m really happy with second place and the team have done a great job; I have a lot of confidence in the bike and I’m looking forward to Argentina already.
How was your pre-season?
The pre-season was okay. I had some small things going on. I got sick and had small problems, but we set up the bike well and I am a lot happier than I was at this time last year. I feel good and confident in the bike.
Seems that the KTM had issues last year. Many people said Tony didn’t look comfortable on it. Can you explain how that was for you?
Tony was injured all year, but I came from another bike and we did a lot of testing. I couldn’t find a good base, but we improved the bike—I think the handling of the bike. KTM is strong from middle to top, but they smoothed it out from the bottom and gives me more control.
Ray Archer images
