The beautiful Villa La Angostura, in Argentina, is the setting for the start of the MXGP World Championship this weekend. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team – since this year led by Hans Corvers – will line up three riders in 2024: Maxime Renaux, Jago Geerts and Calvin Vlaanderen.
Before the first gate drops, we quickly ask five questions to our riders. Today, it’s Maxime Renaux’s turn. The Frenchman previously clinched a 125cc world title (2015) and an MX2 world title (2021) under the guidance of Hans Corvers.
1. Are you satisfied with your preparation?
“Yes. I had a good winter. I was able to ride the bike a lot. I also feel good. One downside: I only have one race – in Riola Sardo – under my belt. I skipped Mantova because I had some trouble with my foot. And riding one week before the World Championship start in Lierop didn’t seem like a good idea to me.”
2. How do you look back on 2023?
“It was a very difficult season due to that foot fracture. It was one of the toughest injuries in my career. It wasn’t easy to deal with. The rehabilitation was darn tough. Yet, I managed to return after three months. Although I still had pain, I immediately competed at the front. A good sign. And with France, I won the Motocross of Nations. In my own country. That made up for a lot.”
3. What is your goal for 2024?
“My goal is clear: to win the world title. That’s my goal every season. I know myself, I know my potential. Last year, that foot injury threw a wrench in the works, but in my first year in the MXGP, I was already competing for the world title (he finished fourth in the championship). Staying injury-free: that’s the first task. Because there are many guys who can win the world title. The top in the MXGP is extremely broad.”
4. The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team is now run by Hans Corvers from this year onwards. The man with whom you have achieved great successes in the past.
“It’s nice to work with Hans and his crew again. We have already proven in the past that we can be a winning combination. 125cc World Champion, MX2 World Champion. It would be wonderful if we could write such a fantastic story for the third time in the MXGP. I feel good with this team, we have all the cards in hand to make something beautiful of it.”
5. The World Championship starts in Argentina. A long trip right away. Are you looking forward to it?
“Absolutely. Nothing beats racing Grand Prix events. And especially in Argentina. Beautiful surroundings, splendid track, fantastic fans… So, I gladly take on that long and tough journey. It will also be a first test for everyone. But I’m not looking at the rest. I focus on myself. I want to continue the good line of my preparation.”
Words: Monster Energy
Images: Yamaha Racing
