Exclusive: Max Nagl Interview

Transmoto speaks exclusively with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl, who currently sits third Overall in the 2016 MXGP championship standings.

Transmoto: Max, tell us a bit about your successful start to the 2015 season, and what happened as the season went on.
Max: Yes, it was a great start to the championship and everything was just “clicking” together. I had great starts and a very good feeling with the bike and the team. The season was going like planned until Teutschenthal, my home GP in Germany where I had a little crash, but unfortunately another rider hit me and I broke my ankle. That was basically the end of my championship. It took longer than expected to recover, and to find a good pace again. Mentally I was already focusing on the next season.

How was your pre-season this year?
It was really good, we did lots of base training with the team in several different conditions and everything went well. We tested the new bike and made it step-by-step perfectly suitable for my riding style. Racing the Italian championship series was also a very good preparation for the long MXGP season. Testing and training in racing conditions is the best you can do.

How have the opening rounds of the 2016 MXGP series been for you?
It’s been a solid start to the championship, we have improved round after round and made three podiums so far, so we are getting there. The season is long – it’s important to keep strong and healthy for the entire championship. Sometimes you need to force yourself to be happy with the position you have and not push too much. Each one of us would like to be always on the first step of the podium, but you need to be smart. You build championship wins on your most difficult days, not on the perfect ones.

What do you hope to achieve this year?
I hope to achieve a good season, without any injuries. If I do that, for sure, I will be high in the standings.

Thoughts on the 2016-model Husqvarna FC450?
The new bike is so good! It’s very easy to handle and gives so much power and torque, which I like a lot. We had a very good testing and preparation phase this winter and now it really starts to feel like a winning bike. Together with my team we use basically all the range of Bel-Ray products, from motorcycle lubricants, oils, chain spray, etc. Even personally I use the Bel-Ray Bike wash for my boots and Detailer spray for my helmet to get it shiny.

Thanks for your time, Max. Good luck for the remainder of the season.
Thanks, Transmoto!