Since making the move over to America for the 2011 season, Marvin Musquin rarely gets the chance to race in front of his home crowd but the one opportunity he does have is the popular Paris Supercross event.
Musquin got to race in front of a packed French crowd at the weekend and had some good races but a crash on Saturday hindered his overall result but nevertheless it was nice for him to race in France again.
We caught up with Musquin to discuss his weekend, his amazing career and much more.
GateDrop: First of all, we are here at Paris SX. It must have been nice to race in front of a packed French crowd…
Musquin: It is always cool. It only happens one time a year so I really enjoy it. This year it was a real Paris Supercross like back in the day and Bercy when the top three American riders are here. I was pumped on that and with the crowd, they really deserve it, they show up and the stadium was full. It was great to have those riders for them.
It was a tough weekend for me, especially the first day but the second day was a little bit better. It was more consistent but I wasn’t really happy with everything. I give my best and had some decent results but not overall.
GateDrop: Going back to 2009 you really burst on the GP scene and surprised everyone on the NGS Honda but then you got the opportunity to sign with Factory KTM. Since then you have came along way and made the step to America – what was the hardest thing to adjust to when you first made the move?
Musquin: I have quite the story behind me with the way I started. Being with the private team and then switching in the middle of the season becoming a factory rider with KTM. It is an amazing story and 14 years later I am still here. I am really proud of that, I am obviously getting towards the end of my career but I am still here. I’ve had some up and downs in the US with many injuries at the beginning but I made it through and had some decent results throughout the years. Overall, I have had a pretty good career.
GateDrop: In 2009 and 2010 you were battling with a young Ken Roczen and here you guys are tonight still running at the front. You both have had quite the careers, back then did you ever think you’d achieve what you have done in the sport?
Musquin: I mean when I raced on the 250cc, I remember I raced in Europe and then went to the US on a 250cc for many years. I remember signing my 450cc contract, I looked at the contract and the bonuses and I was thinking, “dude, I don’t know if I’ll ever get that third place bonus”. In my first year I was able to get a podium or two I think and then in the second year I was winning main events. I never thought I would accomplish that or winning a main event on the 450cc. I actually got close to winning the championship even in 2018 so it’s like a dream. When you achieve it you then want to go one better and win it but I am still proud and happy with what I have done.
GateDrop: Tom Vialle is trying to follow in your footsteps and I believe you’ve been with him at the practice track. It’s obviously early days for him but what’s your first impression and what’s your advice to him?
Musquin: It is nice to see Tom moving to America. The same as me, two times an MX2 World Champion and then moving to America. It is very special. I am proud to see another French rider on the KTM accomplishing that and now America. Anything I can help with, I will do it naturally. He is going to be based in Florida so I won’t see him much but we will be together at the races so anything I can help with, I will.
GateDrop: I believe you are on a Supercross only deal again in 2023, what’s your thoughts on the World Supercross series? It doesn’t look like you will be racing it next year but would you be open to racing it in the future?
Musquin: Yeah, I mean, why not? It depends how it works out with my current team, Red Bull KTM. We know a little bit about how it is not easy with the teams to do those championships. I don’t know, it is too early for me to think about it and this year was not possible. Now I am focusing on AMA Supercross but we will see after that.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Image: Paris Supercross
