Interview: Max Nagl


Max Nagl has been in great form this pre-season on the Sarholz KTM and made the podium again at Hawkstone Park to show just how comfortable he is feeling already on the orange machine.

We spoke to Max after the race to get his thoughts on the switch back to KTM and being able to race at round one of the MXGP series in Argentina thanks to his fans.

Impressive performance today again, it looks like you are really gelling with the KTM!

Yes it’s true, I really enjoy riding the bike, the set-up is pretty much a stock bike, the suspension, everything is completely stock. It works really well, they have done a great job at KTM and also the team. We have done some good testing and now we are pretty much done with the bike so we keep the set-up like it is now so now it’s just riding and prepare myself for Argentina.

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You also had good speed on the TM and were good at the Nations despite your hand injury, but do you just feel more at home on the KTM? You seem to have upped your level again?

Yeah, I mean I have spent 12 years of my life on that bike so I know the KTM really well. And even though they always upgrade and develop, this bike is different to 2011 of course but it still feels like how a KTM feels and I just like it.

And Argentina, it looked like you weren’t going to race there but the fans have backed you to pay for your trip, that must feel great for you!

Yeah, it was unbelievable what they have done, the fans. They have paid my trip and it is so expensive so I am really pleased with their support and I hope every point I can score in Argentina is a point for the fans.

You aren’t a factory rider now but you are showing you still have the speed and maybe less pressure, what are your expectations for the season?

Ahh difficult to say, I want to win the German championship, that is always really important to us and also the team. And then I want to try to make as good results as possible in the GPs, score many points and maybe we can make a top five -that would be great.

And your starts are great again!

Yeah, the starts are getting better again and this is the main key for the races.