Scotsman Shaun Simpson knows that with every good result and top ten finishes he can be happy with himself. Having signed with the TM Factory team at the end of 2012 the former KTM, Honda and Yamaha factory rider has shown good speed, but is yet to get a Grand Prix victory to his name.At one time in 2008 many looked at him as the next World MX2 Champion, yet injuries and at times personal problems within the teams he rode for, Simpson has struggled somewhat. Now with the lay-back Italian TM Factory team Simpson can just get on with the job at hand and produce those top ten finishes.
Simpson began the 2013 FIM World MX1 Championship with a very solid 10th overall in Qatar. It was just what the Scotsman needed to get his confidence in the new team up and running.
“In the first moto in Qatar I gated really well, and I was able to maintain a great rhythm. I was running consistent lap times, and I finished the race in the top ten with an excellent 8th place. In the Superfinal I didn’t start well and the track didn’t allow me to pass easily, so I did my best to catch up positions. I was rather satisfied in the end with 10th overall.”
The joy of finishing top ten in Qatar was quickly forgotten as Simpson collected 18th overall in Thailand. No mechanical failure, but running out of fuel did cost him a handful of points.
“The GP of Thailand was not really a positive one for me. In the first race I crashed in the start and I broke the front brake, which made it continue. In the Super Final I tried to do my best, but in the first lap I was 23rd and I pushed very hard catching up positions until I was in 13th place but a few corners before the finish line I ran out of petrol, which dropped me back. I had hoped to score some good points and to maintain my place in the top ten in the MX1 overall classification, so I am disappointed with the second moto.”
Mechanical problems on Monday in Valkenswaard slowed that progress for top ten in the World as he finished in 17th place.
“On Sunday for qualification the track was frozen and put us all in trouble because it was sliding a lot. On Monday everything was different and I tried to trim the bike in the best way. In the first heat I started tenth and I finished 12th. In the Heat two I changed the bike. On the first lap I was 12th, I recovered up to tenth place but I had a little problem and I had to retire. We are working hard on the bike, some problems have been resolved, but we are not yet in place. “
Simpson will now head to Italy for round four of the FIM World MX1 Championship. Being a home race for the team could also mean a change of luck.