KTM-GST Berlin Team rider Christian Brockel normally rides MX3 but a few weekends ago we saw him line up for the FIM MX1 World Championship after receiving a wild card entry to his home Grand Prix of Lausitzring, Germany. We caught up with the German to ask his opinion about racing MX1 and his experience so far in his first full MX3 season.
Question: Hey Christian how was your experience in MX1 in Lausitzring?
Christian Brockel: It was the first time that I was allowed to participate in a MX1 Grand Prix and I was very happy about it. You do not get the chance every day to ride against the best guys in our sport.
Q: The MX1 has the fastest guys and the coolest bikes, how did you fit in?
Brockel: The speed is somewhat higher and the guys in MX1 ride a bit more aggressive. A better workout you cannot have. Sure they have the best bikes, there are factory teams or factory supported teams, all the best of the best. But the fastest bikes do not always make the fastest riders; the MX1 guys are really all talented and ride really strong.
Q: How did you find the track?
Brockel: I really liked the track. It was technical but smooth to ride. It was tremendous what was done there, in such a short time they built a fantastic track.
Q: How were your motos? You finished just out of the points.
Brockel: I was struggling with a stomach virus that I picked up in the week before the MX1 event; I had already waived the training. I felt somewhat better but not yet at a 100%. So I knew in the races I would have a hard time to survive. In the first moto my start was not so bad and until 10 minutes from the finish I was still in the points. Then I ran out of power and I was pushed out of a points score to finish 21st. In the second moto the start was also ok, but I stalled my engine on the first lap and had to re-start dead last. I stayed on Barragan’s back wheel for some laps and that sapped up all my energy. About half way into the moto I was exhausted and decided to pull out. My battery was completely empty.
Q:It was announced you were selected reserve rider for the German MXoN team…
Brockel: I am very happy to be again selected as a reserve rider. It’s a great feeling to be a part of the current MXoN Champion team. It is also motivating for my next races. Last year I was also picked as reserve rider; my good results convinced team manager Hubert Nagl to ask me again this year so that’s really cool.>
Q: Let’s look at your MX3 results this year, you were fifth but dropped to eighth because you could not do the last round in Ukraine. Why was that?
Brockel: Unfortunately there are overlaps in the calendars of MX3 and the ADAC Master Series in Germany, which I find very sad. But I have to choose between the two and in the Master series I’m in a good position and it is good for us as a German team. My Master results are not bad, except for the last race where I had to survive with my stomach flu. At the moment I’m 7th despite those bad results in the last round. That is better than ever, so it’s going well.
In the remaining three MX3 races I will again give my best and then we’ll see what my final position will be in the MX3 World Championship class. I can increase a couple of places as we are close in the points.
Q: Do you think the two zeros at the MX3 opening round in Valkenswaard have done damage to your championship?
Brockel: That is exactly the case. Sand tracks are where I grew up so they give me no problem. The MX3 class was new for me; with my team I was exited to do this World Championship this year. I had technical problems and a crash in Holland and finished without points.
Q: Overall are you happy with the MX3 season?
Brockel: Sure! All in all I am satisfied with my MX3 adventure. I wish I had been a bit more consistent in the results and it would have looked even better on the points table. After Holland I came back strong in Bulgaria and scored a similar result in Italy. I had mixed feelings in Slovenia as we made some changes to the bike that did not work for me and then I couldn’t give my best.
My target was the podium and unfortunately I have not yet made it there. I think it would have been possible as I have been close. There are still three races so it’s up to me to change that.”
Q: What are your plans for next year?
Brockel: For 2014 there are no plans yet. I would like to stay in GP’s, let’s see if that is feasible.
Photo: Christian Brockel in action – photos Harry van Hemmen