2014 Superenduro chat: Jonny Walker ready for Liverpool opener

KTM Enduro Factory rider Jonny Walker starts his participation in the 2014 FIM
SuperEnduro World Championship this weekend. As ever the beginning of a new
championship is a much looked forward to occasion for Jonny, but with round one taking
place inside the Echo Arena in Liverpool this race is an extra special one for the former
Erzberg winner.

For the first time in his career the young Brit will get the opportunity to compete in a home SuperEnduro event. Looking for a winning result, the KTM rider is eager for the new championship to begin.

DBR: The SuperEnduro World Championship arrives in Liverpool this weekend, are you ready for your home round of the series?

JW: “Racing in Liverpool is something I’ve been looking forward to all year. Now the race is almost here I’m really looking forward to racing. The SuperEnduro World Championship is one that I always look forward to. But with the first round of the series taking place in Britain it’s going to be that extra bit special. I’ve been working hard, spending lots of time on my bike, so I feel ready.”

DBR: What difference will having the support of a home crowd behind you make in Liverpool?

JW: “It will be a massive boost. I’ve seen in the past how a home crowd helped Taddy Blazusiak win in Poland last year. I’m hoping it will be the same for me in the Echo Arena. Of course that support can bring extra pressure on the night but I don’t really see it that way. For me, it’s the first time all of my family, friends and fans will get to see me race and I want to show them what I can do. I’ll be giving it 100 per cent on the night.”

DBR: Your biggest change for the new season is a move to the KTM 250 EXC-f. Why have you switched to four-stroke machinery?

JW: “Opting to race the KTM 250 EXC-f for SuperEnduro was a big decision to make but in the long term I’m sure it will be the right one. The sport has changed quite a bit in two or three years and I think the tracks are more suited to four strokes now. I’m really enjoying the change and I feel I’m up to speed on it. The power delivery is smoother and easier to control, which makes it easier to get on the gas in slippery corners.”

DBR: For 2014 the series expands from three to five rounds, what effect will that have on the championship?

JW: “It’s great to see it extend to five rounds. It shows how popular it’s become. With only three rounds last season it was difficult to recover from any mistakes. Now with two more rounds – and in turn an extra six races – it’s going to make things a lot more competitive. I think riders can push that little bit harder to win races and not worry about losing so many points if they do crash. I’m looking forward to seeing how the championship pans out.”

DBR: What will it mean to end round one of the championship on the podium?

JW: “It will mean everything to stand on the podium at the end of round one. In terms of the championship it will be the start I’m hoping for and will be a major confidence booster for the rest of the season. But it’s also my home race – I want to get the best result I can.”