It’s an exciting time for Swedish talent, Isak Gifting as after a number of years racing in the MX2 World Championship, he’ll make the move up to race the MXGP World Championship in 2024.
The Swede inked a deal with Italian based team, JK Yamaha and in 2024 will be hoping to learn as much as possible during his rookie season but he has a lot of speed and potential for the future.
We caught up with Gifting ahead of Hawkstone International where he’ll be racing this weekend in front of the UK fans.
GateDrop: Isak, there were a lot of rumours suggesting you’d be racing overseas in 2024 and not in MXGP – silly season rumours for you but was that ever an option?
Gifting: Yes I actually considered it but things didn’t pan out and I’ve always been excited about trying out the MXGP class here in Europe.
GateDrop: You ended up signing with JK Yamaha for 2024. How did the deal all come around with the team?
Gifting: We started a conversation pretty late but then everything went pretty smooth. I went down to Italy to test a bit with them and then I decided to go for it.
GateDrop: Obviously last year was your final year racing the MX2 World Championship due to the age rule, what is your thoughts on the age rule for MX2?
Gifting: I think it would have been nice to keep the classes open for all ages, like they do in America. Instead just have some sort of points system where you might have to step up eventually. For me it’s not really an issue though because I wanted to move up to the 450cc anyway.
GateDrop: Being with an Italian team, you’ve spent a lot of time in Italy over the off-season. How have you found being in Italy putting in the laps? I assume you’ll be base there for the season too…
Gifting: I’m based in Italy now yeah. It’s great, I like Italy already from before and I even spent Christmas here for the last two years. Also I find it difficult with tracks in Belgium/Holland nowadays so it’s easier in Italy, and France too!
GateDrop: You raced the opening two rounds of the International Italian championship. How have they gone for you? Some good speed on the 450cc!
Gifting: I’ve been a lot faster than I expected, so that’s very positive. I’m also riding more smooth on the 450cc, which might be surprising but I have adapted quite well to be honest. The starts were good in Mantova too which is a big part of it. Eventually I’m hoping to put together some decent moto’s.
GateDrop: How did you find the 450cc when you jumped on it? Has it took you a while to get used to the power and perhaps adjusting your style?
Gifting: I liked it already from the start, having the power there all the time. It’s definitely taking some time to adjust and I still am. But I feel more smooth than expected and I have already done some fast lap times on the pre season races. With a different approach on the track than before.
GateDrop: What’s your expectations for the MXGP World Championship this year? The level is high!
Gifting: I’m humble but also hungry, I just want to get in that top 10 and learn from it. On the right day I expect to deliver something better but we have to see where we’re at first.
GateDrop: You’ll be racing the Italian championship as well and up against the Ducati! What’s your expectations for that series? I am sure you’ll be after another Nation title after the British series you secured last year…
Gifting: It’s been a fun gig racing a national championship on the side of the Wolrd Championship. For sure it is a lot of racing and not much free time but I think that’s good for me. I’m definitely going for the title but that’s a long way and I know the Italians will be fast in their home country, just like in the UK. I’m looking forward to all the new challenges!
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Images: Phawkmania
