After weeks of speculation that he could be joining Red Bull KTM and then Rockstar Suzuki, Valentin Guillod has confirmed his future with the Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube team for a third term with the Belgian crew and his debut season in the MXGP class in 2016.
The 23-year-old is currently in contention for the MX2 title and sits 25 points from Pauls Jonass and the red plate and says he expects to steer his YZ250F for Team Switzerland at the Motocross of Nations even though he is likely to be in the MXGP or MX Open class at Ernee in France.
“I will ride the 250 at the Nations because we have the U.S.GP just before and there is no time to practice and get ready,” he says. “Directly after, in October, I will start with the 450 because I have to prepare for the SX in Lille which will be my first race.”
“I got a 450 recently and made a small race in Switzerland,” he continues. “If I could then I’d like to continue on the 250 because I feel young and I think the age rule should be pushed to 25; this would be a better age than 23. Anyway, I’m happy about riding the 450 because if you watch my riding style then it suits the bigger bike. The team never have to change my clutch – sometimes they tell me to use it more! I think I will enjoy the 450.”
For Standing Construct it means a three-rider roster with Julien Lieber signed for another MX2 campaign and another racer coming in to join the Belgian, rumoured to be Alex Tonkov.
The structure will therefore grow to accommodate Guillod in the premier class and Team Owner Tim Mathys insists he has fresh support to help with the transition. “I’m very happy that I will get another partner and from a man I have known for many years and I have thought for a long time that he has the same point of view on motocross; it is his passion and he wants results,” he commented. “He is not here to earn money. Finally we have come together and for 2016 we will be partners. I think with him by my side on a management level we will be stronger as a team and it will be announced after the Motocross of Nations.”
Right now however the squad is dedicated to helping Guillod chase his final shot at MX2 glory and with four Grands Prix and 200 points left to win #92 is firmly in the hunt for what will also be the team’s first title tilt. “I will be honest, we know that the world championship is possible but there are four, maybe five, who can still do it,” says Mathys. “We have to keep on giving 100 per cent and the focus. We will try to keep Valentin calm. We will go from race to race and then see what end result we’ll have at Glen Helen.”
