After a strong weekend for KRT in Loket, Antti Pyrhönen reflects on a pivotal stretch of the season. With Romain Febvre rebounding from a first-moto crash to take victory in race two and Mathis Valin securing his first MX2 GP podium, the Finnish team manager discusses the significance of the results, the intensity of the championship fight, and the progress of his rising stars. We also touch on the challenges of the upcoming Lommel GP, Pauls Jonass’ return to action, and the possibility of expanding the team’s MX2 line-up for 2026.
GateDrop: Antti, before we touch on race day, we have to talk about yesterday. That was the first time for a team winning to races in both classes… That must have felt amazing and seeing Mathis Valin in that form as well… A very, very good day…
Pyrhönen: Absolutely. So, it was a great day for both the riders and for the team. Really for something like this, we were extremely happy to go 1-1. Having also Mathis winning for the first time for him in MX2, we are very happy for that. It was good for the confidence boost for him because he’s been working hard as well and has gone through ups and downs. We are really happy for the MX2 team as well.
GateDrop: And on today, I would say on the whole you are probably happy. Febvre was able to bounce back after his crash in race one to end the weekend on a high, Valin was able to get his first MX2 GP podium… you can’t ask for much more there, I don’t think?
Pyrhönen: No, absolutely. We are super happy with that. You know, the championship battle between Romain and Coenen is tough. That’s the reality and we need to do strong starts. We need to do strong races but at the same time, we need to stay out of trouble. That’s the reality so no problem but Romain is really doing the job so we just need to keep going. We improved the starts this weekend so that was a big thing. For Mathis as well, his first podium, MX2 GP podium and he deserves that. He started the season high and then had an injury and really needed to dig deep with his self-confidence and everything. He kept working, we kept improving the bike and it pays off. We are very happy with that.
GateDrop: We saw what happened, Romain in the first moto, he must have been kicking himself there… But at the same time, he showed what he was all about in the second moto… He was able to put that to bed and respond in the best possible way. So, you must be pleased with that reaction and to win the second moto…
Pyrhönen: Exactly… That confirms how strong he is, he’s mentally the strongest rider. You know, it’s a pity about the mistake in the first moto but he bounced back in the second moto very strong from a difficult position. But like I said, he’s mentally so strong that he can do it.
GateDrop: On Mathis, he wouldn’t have been the first rider to have a really good Saturday and then Sunday, not good a plan. But he was able to back it up… He probably showed himself on Saturday he could do it. But on Sunday, he proved he could do it. So.. you must be happy with that mentality There was probably a bit more pressure on him as well for race day.
Pyrhönen: Yeah, I think so. You win a qualifying race for the first time so of course you get that great feeling. You know you can do it but on the other hand then you need to do it again on the Sunday. He had two good starts; he was very consistent with strong riding. He still showed some really good speed so an absolutely great job and we’re super pumped and happy for him.
GateDrop: Just on his talent. When you see him riding on track. To me he kind of reminds me of a young Marvin Musquin. Do you enjoy watching him and his technique? He’s very good to watch…
Pyrhönen: Really good… He has the talent, the technique and also the work ethic so there’s nothing missing. He still just needs to gain the experience and confidence as well. When you are in that position, that you don’t start rushing things or overdoing things. He is still gaining with that. I think this is not all that we’re going to see from him this season. We are definitely looking forward to the future with him as well.
GateDrop: A home GP next weekend for the team this weekend in Lommel. Are you looking forward to that one? Probably one that you’re glad you don’t have to race at anymore (laughs)…
Pyrhönen: I am very happy that I don’t need to race myself. Lommel is a tough one and we know it. We know how to prepare for it but nevertheless, you need to go really with our feet on the ground and just do all the necessary preparation like we have done and then try to execute another week. We keep going.
GateDrop: What’s the plan for this week? I know Mathis has been spending a lot of time in France, but I assume this week probably Belgium to do a few days riding in the sand before Lommel?
Pyrhönen: Indeed. So, he’s been quite a bit 50-50 in Lommel, Belgium and France which is working really good for him. I think he’s going to be as prepared as best as possible for his rookie MX2 GP at Lommel but nevertheless you know it’s going to be a tough GP for everybody. So, nobody is home before the finish flag is waving so we do everything we can to be as strong as possible.
GateDrop: Pauls Jonass recently got back on a bike. First and foremost, how’s he looking back on a bike and then what’s the plan? I believe Sweden?
Pyrhönen: Yeah indeed. So, Paul is definitely looking good and he had already a few weeks back on the bike. We just felt it’s a bit too early to come back to look at Lommel. So actually, now for Uddevalla he has a very good time to really prepare for himself. He has been many years in a situation that needs to come back as quick as possible. I feel that maybe sometimes it was coasting him a bit but now he will be going to Uddevalla well prepared. We then try to do a strong end of the season with him.
GateDrop: The MX2 GP is going really well. I would love to see a second MX2 GP rider next year… Is that still a decision to be made? I mean would you like a second guy in MX2?
Pyrhönen: Yeah, absolutely we would like a second one. Both riders would benefit of each other and could train together and push each other. But we shall see. Of course, we still need to focus on the bike development as well. To run two guys, you need to be really ready for it. So, we need to see what the decision will be.
