So far this year, Austrian talent, Marcel Stauffer has raced two MX2 GP’s but impressed at both races he did running in the top ten and showing some very good speed.
After ending the 2022 season with the WZ KTM team, Stauffer had actually lined up an EMX250 ride but with the age rule changing from U23 to U21, it meant he couldn’t race the series. He does plan a couple more GP’s this year and will be hoping to impress and perhaps secure a ride for the 2024 season which will be his last opportunity to race the MX2 World Championship.
We caught up with Stauffer to discuss his season so far and more.
GateDrop: Marcel, let’s go back to last year you got an MX2 GP ride with WZ KTM and them coming into 2023 you unfortunately didn’t land a GP team. Did you have any offers or did you not have any MX2 GP interest?
Stauffer: I felt uncomfortable last year going to the GP‘s with WZ so we split ways in 2023. At first my plan was to do the full EMX250 season and I had already a team to cooperate with. Unfortunately the age limit got changed last minute and I needed a different plan. I got the opportunity to work as a test rider for KTM, in addition I do chosen MX2 GP‘s, which turned out pretty well so far!
GateDrop: You’ve raced two GP’s so far this year, Trentino was the first one for you having a good first moto. Can you talk me through that GP?
Stauffer: For me Trentino was the first GP since Finland last season. Additionally I hadn’t the winter preparation a GP racer has normally. As a test rider I sit a lot on the bike, but we almost never do long motos. So I struggled a bit fitness wise and with the intensity these guys can race. Beside my start crash in race two, it was a pretty solid weekend tough.
GateDrop: You just raced in Germany and that was a great GP for you having the pace to run at the front all weekend really. Can you talk me through that GP?
Stauffer: Yeah, I‘m really happy with the speed I showed in Teutschenthal. We were a two man team out there, so it was pretty stressful on and off the track for my mechanic and me, but we had fun and the results were satisfying too. With just the second GP this season I was sill not used to the race intensity, but I tried to survive as good as possible and was super grateful about my first top ten overall finish.
GateDrop: Do you plan on racing any more rounds of the MX2 World Championship?
Stauffer: At the moment I only plan to race Loket and maybe Maggiora. I would love to race more GP‘s, but it’s unfortunately not possible with the financial situation I am in right now.
GateDrop: If there’s any teams out there looking a fill in rider, would you consider that and what would you say to those teams that might be on the look out for a rider?
Stauffer: If there is a team where I feel like I could be comfortable with, I’ll be interested for sure. But since last year I know, that I need a good feeling coming to the races, otherwise it’s hard for me to perform and be the best racer I can be.
GateDrop: Racing two GP’s so far this year, how would you describe the level of the MX2 World Championship?
Stauffer: I know a lot of athletes since I raced against them in my youth. With some young riders, who joined the MX2 World Championship this season, the level is extremely high and I am happy to be competitive in this class.
GateDrop: What’s your plans for the rest of the season and what goals do you have?
Stauffer: Like I said, I’ll race one or two more GP‘s. My goal was to finish one moto in the top ten at the World Championship. I reached already more in Teutschenthal, so my goal for the next GP‘s is to be better than I was last time. Additionally I race the Austrian Championship, where I lead MX2 and MX1 at the moment. My goal is to clinch both titles this season.
GateDrop: I’m not sure how many years you can ride MX2 but I feel like this could be the last? Do you see yourself moving up to the 450cc and MX1 class anytime soon?
Stauffer: I turned 22 this year, so I could race another MX2 season in 2024. In Austria I‘m also racing on a 450cc in the MX1 class, to get a feeling for it and improve as much as I can before I move up the next years. But at the moment I have no final plans what I’ll do next season, depends also a bit on the offers and opportunities I’ll get.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Image: Christina Wolz Sportfotografie
