As the 2025 MXGP season kicks off, all eyes are on Lucas Coenen as he prepares to make his debut in the premier class. The young Belgian, known for his raw speed and talent, is stepping up to the 450cc category with the De Carli KTM squad, where he will be under the awning with his twin brother, Sacha.
Ahead of the opening round in Argentina, Lisa Leyland caught up with Coenen to discuss his long journey to the venue, his recent injury setback, and his mindset heading into his rookie season. Despite a minor crash in the lead-up, he remains focused on the challenge ahead, eager to learn and build consistency in a highly competitive field.
With the move to MXGP already decided early in the 2024 season, Coenen is embracing the step up with confidence, feeling comfortable on the bigger bike. Now, as he lines up against the world’s best, he is determined to take things race by race, enjoy the experience, and grow into a serious contender.
On his travels to Argentina…
No, it was long. The first flight was good, but then we wanted to take a van from the Buenos Aires to here, and it was like seven hours, and then we discovered that the van was limited, so then we put like eight hours to come, so it was really long. We managed to arrive, so that’s the most important.
On his injury…
I mean, I just had a little crash, but we’re just looking forward. We are going to try our best, and we will see, so no, nothing big. We’re just going to try, and we’ll see how it is.
On having surgery…
No, we’re all okay, all on point, yes.
On moving up to MXGP…
Honestly, I want to leave the title for my brother (Sacha). No, no, if that’s possible for him, I would for sure do it, but I want to learn, and I felt like for 450 move, I have a good size, and I want to learn, and I feel I can do it. I had the idea and it came from me, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m feeling good also on the bike, so nothing big.
On if he decided before or after the MxoN where he ran with the very best on a 250cc…
Honestly, I made the choice already. Let’s say, two GP’s into the season. When I was really down last year, then I said, I need to find something to boost me up and I was like to my dad, I want to ride a 450cc. So let’s do it, and then we started looking, speaking, and then I said, yeah, I want. Then we made it all together, we made some tests, and I feel good, so I love it.
On how he feels on the powerful 450cc…
Yeah, honestly, I’m just seeing how I’m doing day by day, but I’m feeling really good. I’m getting the 450 in the hands, and the pre-season race went good. I showed some good things and we even improved afterwards. So, no, for me, it’s looking good, and we just keep building.
On being under the De Carli KTM awning with his Brother…
For sure, it’s even better because we are together. I can share some tips, and then we are all working together. Also, with Simon, we have a good relationship, so all together, it’s so nice. We are working and it’s always with good mood, so we’re loving it.
On his goals for his rookie MXGP season…
I mean, we’ll see race by race. We are fast, but the thing is not to be fast. It’s to be consistent and having fun. That’s the key.
