Interview: Pierre Goupillon – ready for his home EMX250 round!

Last year was Pierre Goupillon’s rookie year in the EMX250 class after moving up from the 125cc. The French rider has also switched from KTM to Kawasaki machinery after being signed by the BUD Racing Team.

Goupillon looks much stronger after learning a lot last year when he finished tenth in the series. The French rider started the year of perfectly after winning round one in Spain and after a few bad rounds got back on the box at Matterley Basin.

The young French talent is also working with Yves Demaria this year and it looks to be helping him with his riding.

We caught up with Goupillon to discuss his season to date.

Gatedrop: Pierre, it was a good weekend for you here in Matterley Basin getting on the podium. Can you talk me through both your moto’s?

Pierre Goupillon:  Yeah, I’m very happy with my weekend. This is my second podium of the season in the EMX250 Championship. It’s very good for my team, my sponsors. Thanks to my trainer Yves Demaria. This weekend is my home round at Saint Jean d’Angely. I’m so happy with the podium here in England.

Gatedrop: In the second moto you led for quite a while. Did you get nervous or did you feel like you belong at the front?

Pierre Goupillon:  I had a good start and at the beginning of the race I was very good. I had good lines but after I had a big mistake. But I am happy and third in the second moto was good for me and the championship. I’m happy.

Gatedrop: You had a good first round of the series as you won and had the red plate but then you had a bad few rounds. You seem to be finding form again?

Pierre Goupillon:  Yeah, those races I wasn’t at my places but it’s how the races go. I had some big mistakes but it’s not a problem for the championship now as it’s a long series.

Gatedrop: You were previously on a KTM before singing for the BUD Kawasaki team. How does the Kawasaki compare to the KTM and are you happy with the team’s setup?

Pierre Goupillon:  I prefer the Kawasaki. The engine is very good and I like it. It’s very different to the KTM but for me the Kawasaki is better, I love it.

Gatedrop: This weekend is your home race in France, there will be a lot of French fans which means a lot of pressure. Do you think you’ll be able to cope with the pressure from the home fans?

Pierre Goupillon:  For me there’s no pressure. Racing in France will be very good for me, I love the track and I am looking forward to this weekend at my home race.

Gatedrop: Have you any plans to race any MX2 World Championship races that don’t collide with the EMX250 series before the end of the season?

Pierre Goupillon:  Yeah, next year I think I will race MX2. But for the rest of this season, I don’t know, it will depend on the team.

Gatedrop: Having Brian Moreau as a team mate, does riding with him a lot help you with your speed?

Pierre Goupillon:  Yeah, it’s good to ride with Brian. But there’s no pressure on us and I have a lot of respect for Brian.

Interview: Andy McKinstry

Pic: Nigel McKinstry