KTM factory rider David Philippaerts was a big favorite last weekend in Faenza, Italy. The Italian rider produced good results often this year, although a crash the week before Faenza meant that the Italian rider couldn't perform to the level he had hoped. The likeable Italian signed recently with Yamaha and in a surprise move he will be the man Rinaldi looks at to take over from Josh Coppins (who will retire at the end of 2008). We did a short interview with Philippaerts.
Q: David, you seemed to be struggling in Italy, what was the problem?
Philippaerts: My condition was not perfect. The week for the GP of Faenza in the Germany championship I had a big crash in the jump, I hurt my shoulder. This weekend was not possible to train and I tried in the warm-up, but there was pain. Normally I would not have raced, but because it was Italy I wanted to race. On Sunday my doctor gave me an injection. The first heat was okay, but in the second moto I had a little pain.
Q: What about the second heat?
Philippaerts: The second heat I started well and I was first and I pushed for my best speed, but when Coppins passed me on the downhill I hit a bump and my shoulder again had pain. I tried to finish the heat, but it was tough.
Philippaerts: The second heat I started well and I was first and I pushed for my best speed, but when Coppins passed me on the downhill I hit a bump and my shoulder again had pain. I tried to finish the heat, but it was tough.
Q: The Italian team was picked for the Motocross of Nations. Any chance of you racing in Glen Helen for the last National of the season. Are you looking forward to racing in America?
Philippaerts: I am looking forward to the Motocross of Nations. We go early to train and test the bike with the Federation. I can't do the Glen Helen round of the Nationals, we have a KTM festival that same weekend and I have to attend that.
Philippaerts: I am looking forward to the Motocross of Nations. We go early to train and test the bike with the Federation. I can't do the Glen Helen round of the Nationals, we have a KTM festival that same weekend and I have to attend that.
Q: You have moved to Yamaha now, but what about working with Stefan Everts. That must have helped your career. And also, your next GP win, when will it come?
Philippaerts: Working with Stefan it's been good, for KTM it is also good. I like to work with him. I like Loket, also Namur is good for me, it's not so fast and I like that. I like Namur for a win.
Philippaerts: Working with Stefan it's been good, for KTM it is also good. I like to work with him. I like Loket, also Namur is good for me, it's not so fast and I like that. I like Namur for a win.