Xavier Boog confirmed for two more seasons with Kawasaki

Xavier Boog, already crowned MX1 French Champion two weeks ago and currently sixth in the MX1 World Championship, has been confirmed by Kawasaki as a factory rider for the next two
seasons.

Boog, the leading Kawasaki rider in the MX1 class this year, will line-up next season alongside Jonathan Barragan in the Kawasaki Racing Team.

“For next season we have two of the best MX1 riders with Jonathan and Xavier. Jonathan was really unlucky with injuries this year but we all know that he can win GPs, and Xavier is the best rookie rrider in the MX1 class. His riding style and his mentality suits Kawasaki perfectly; he learnt very quickly how to be fast and consistent on a KX450F, which requires a totally different approach than in the MX2 class. He surprised me with his consistency on every track, and for sure with more experience he will be even stronger in 2011”, said Steve Guttridge, the European Race Planning Manager from Kawasaki Motors Europe. It was the right time to ask the young Frenchman, who has already finished in the top five at five GPs this year, a few questions.

Xavier, Kawasaki Europe and Kawasaki Racing Team confirmed you for two more seasons in the team. Does this give your confidence a boost for the rest of this year’s GPs ?
"For sure it has a positive effect. I’m very happy to have signed a new two year deal with Kawasaki. I had some talks with other teams, but my priority was to stay in green; everything is going perfectly with KRT, and I feel comfortable on the KX450F-SR Kawasaki. This year I discovered a new team, a new bike, and the best way to be stronger and better next season is to keep on working with the same people. We won’t lose time this winter getting to know each other, and I have a great relationship with Jonathan Barragan who will be my teammate next season. I’m sure that we will work together even closer this winter to prepare for 2011."

After four campaigns on a KX250F, how was it to move on a KX450F?
"I really like this bike, as it is better suited to my riding style. I don’t like to be aggressive, I like to ride smoothly, so the 450 is much better for me. I did a couple of German Championship races on a 450 three years ago, so I expected it to be easy for me to switch to the bigger bike."

You have now some experience on the KX450F-SR; do you know what you will have to work on this winter?
"I will not change many things, but I will focus on some points; for example I will do more physical training as you need more strength on a KX450F. We will continue to develop the bike and test parts; we already test a lot with the team and the bike is already really good."

You finished 4th in Portugal and USA, 5th in Italy, Germany and Latvia, do you think that you can get your first MX1 podium soon ?
"Everyone asks me this question, and you can be sure that I want it as soon as possible ! We have five more GP to go, but two of them are on tough sandy tracks so there will be three real opportunities for me. The sand is not a problem for me, but it will be difficult to get a top result in Lommel or Lierop with so many strong and experienced MX1 sand riders, but I will give my best, as always."