Lucas has admitted he didn’t even know the world championship existed when he was young and always watched America, but now, while the US is still a dream, Coenen says he is in not in a rush to get there as the 18 year old adapts to life in MXGP after a little help from Tim Gajser.
Lucas on…
Going to the USA
“Yeah, one day (USA), I said this was a dream since I’m a kid, because when I was so small, I didn’t know there was a world championship! So, I was always looking only to James Stewart, but then when I was starting racing, I saw there was a big GPs, and I said, here, I need to go there one day. So, as I said, yeah, it’s a dream, but let’s say I’m not in the rush, I just need to see what comes.
Training with Tim Gajser
“I went training with him. It was at the period, like before Turkey, I went there, trained with him in Tigaland. Yeah, you can always learn, he’s a really good rider. He was battling Jorge for the title last year, also.
“So, for me, I learned a lot there, and also, as a person, he’s normal, and it’s good to see that being like him and being such a good racer. He is always motivated, and I can only learn from those people. So, I think from those weeks I stayed with him, I learned a lot. So, yeah, that also helped me where I am now.”
On moving to MXGP at 18
“No, for me, it’s just, like I say, I’m young, so I’m only 18, and being 17 and 16, when you’re going to MX2 already early, it’s the age that some people are still in EMX125. But also, I make a lot of mistakes, but I can say, I’m young, I can learn, but I didn’t make those mistakes twice. So then, I start to analyze and learn, and get all the things together, and now, I am in MXGP, the biggest class.
“So, I know I need to be consistent, and be there with the top guys, and I know I can. So, if we look this year, I start to put everything together like I want, and all the mistakes that I did last year, last two years, let’s say, I don’t see them happening very often. So, I mean, I can still make mistakes, but I’m learning, and also have good people around that are helping me with that also. For a moment, it’s just how much we can learn, how it can be better for us. I know I’m a good rider. I don’t say the others are not good, but I know I can ride a bike.That’s not a problem. 450, yeah, for many people, they doubt (me). But if it stays from my side of the team, we never doubt.
“I know many people say what they want. Like they usually do, they speak fast. But when I step on the bike, and already in pre-season I get second place. It’s not bad. And then I win already a moto. So, I think many people are starting to think, yeah, he can (do it). And it’s true, yeah, you hear he’s 18. But for me, I’m 18 body-wise, but in my head, I’m like the other, you know, there is no difference. But, I mean, for me, for some people it’s different.
“For me, I feel I made the change for a reason. I felt in 250, I was good, I took a lot of information, and I want to step it up. And that’s what I did, and what I’m doing. But the MXGP is still higher. So, I say, no, I have all the information, okay, I didn’t win the title (in MX2). I know the reasons why, it was difficult to fight good with my teammate.
“But now I say, no, I want to change, I want to refresh, and 450 is the best option for me. I know I’m not a bad rider, and 450, the level is higher. The riders are more experienced, but I don’t count myself out for being as good at them. Everything can happen, you never know. So, just be the best version that I can be. And as a rider, I don’t think I’m doing bad for 18, so I think I’m just enjoying it, and showing to the people what I can do, still being young.”
Get the full interview below:
