Interview: Guillem Farres – ‘I come here every weekend to win’

Images: Ray Archer | Interview: Andy McKinstry

It was a weekend to remember for Guillem Farres at the latest MX2 World Championship round, as the Spanish talent bounced back in style from a big crash just a week earlier. In only his first season back in the GP paddock after two years racing in America, Farres put his Triumph machine on the podium – securing the manufacturer’s second-ever moto win in the class. We caught up with Guillem to discuss his rollercoaster week, the rapid development of the new Triumph bike, adapting to life back in Europe, and his goals for the rest of the season.

GateDrop: Guillem, an amazing day for you and especially after last week you had a very big crash. I’m sure first and foremost you were happy just to walk away from that but a week later to get a podium, it just shows you how quickly things can change in this sport…

Farres: Yeah, I mean it was a big one on Saturday but I already felt like Sunday was much better. We improved some stuff on the bike that makes me be more comfortable. This weekend started out a bit of a struggle, time practice and qualifying moto weren’t what we wanted but today we made it happen. I got two really good starts and I just rode with the top guys so happy about everything, happy about the people on my side, happy about the bike and happy about the results.

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GateDrop: Did you ride during the week or did you take the week off just to recover?

Farres: Yeah, I rode a little bit during the week.

GateDrop: Was it okay, not in any pain or anything?

Farres: Yeah, no pain, just a little bit banged up but nothing major.

GateDrop: You won that moto and you never even realized you won. What was your reaction when the team told you you’d won it? I mean did they tell you in the pit board and did you just miss it?

Farres: No, I didn’t know, that’s why I didn’t even celebrate. So I didn’t even know until I got on the podium… I asked how am I second overall if I went 9-2 and they said no you went 9-1. I think it’s better that I didn’t know at the time.

Image: Ray Archer

GateDrop: What was your thoughts on the track changes?

Farres: It was not bad actually, just a little bit tight. Especially after the waves, the left corner, everyone was taking the same line. But the right before the waves was cool, that section was cool because it opened up a little bit. But the next left, no one ever took the outside the whole weekend long. But I think it’s some positive changes. It’s nice that they mix it up and that we don’t ride every year the same tracks.

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GateDrop: You were fast in both motos but that first moto you must have been kicking yourself with the crash otherwise you probably would have been in the top five. But the speed was good?

Farres: Yeah, the speed was good. I’m happy with the improvement I made. We were even close to the first position so that’s really positive.

GateDrop: What was the track like to ride from the first moto to the second moto? It went from really dry to quite wet.

Farres: Yeah, a big change. I mean it’s heavy dirt also. It gets really heavy on the bike and really slick. You don’t know if you’re going to have traction and a lot of spots are really shiny.

GateDrop: Triumph are new in the sport. It’s only their second year and you were able to give them their second moto win. Just how does it feel to be able to do this for Triumph and be part of this story?

Farres: I mean it feels amazing. Anyone that would see how these guys behind me work, they would understand why the results come. So yeah, it’s just a really good, really nice group of people. They work really hard and that’s why things happen.

GateDrop: In terms of the bike, have you changed much from the start of the season? What did it feel like when you got on it because it’s a brand new bike?

Farres: Yeah, we made some changes. Also, it’s not the same when you’re training than when you’re racing. So yeah, basically just small things to make me feel more comfortable. Now I think I’m in a good spot.

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GateDrop: I mean how did it feel to stand up on that podium? I think that’s your first one in MX2. It must have felt amazing. Did you expect it coming into the weekend?

Farres: I mean, we always aim for the top spot but yeah, definitely not after first moto today, finishing ninth. But yeah, it feels amazing.

Image: Ray Archer

GateDrop: Goals for the rest of the season? Now you’ve been on the podium, you probably want more of that.

Farres: Obviously I come here every weekend to win. It’s just been tough. I feel like every time I’m getting closer and that’s the main goal.

GateDrop: We’ve really only had one proper sand GP this year in Riola, but we’ve got Kegums next. It’s not deep sand, but it’s sandy. How do you feel in the softer and sandier conditions?

Farres: It feels good. I’m living in Lommel. I think in the US I didn’t ride much sand, but I could ride sand back in the days.