Former European Champion and MX2 Grand Prix winner Valentin Guillod has commented on the reason for his upturn in form and speed in MXGP and cites some engine work on the Rinaldi-fettled YZ450FM for his appearances in the top five of the premier class in just his first season since moving up from the 250s.
The 23-year-old Swiss has posted three top seven moto finishes from the last six and has been more prominent near the front of the pack in an MXGP contest that several of the leading protagonists have claimed is one of the most competitive in recent years. Guillod’s progress has been noticeable as he managed only one top 10 ranking from the first six motos of the season.
“I knew the first GPs in MXGP would not be easy but it was actually really hard to get in the top 10!” the Kemea Yamaha rider said. “Finally I managed to arrive in that position. I’m happy with the way it is going but I admit I struggled in the beginning to learn and adapt the bike with a good set-up.”
“We made a setting change to the engine with more power at the bottom end and to get it smoother and less aggressive,” he revealed.
