MXLink Live connecting Motorsport icons around the world speaks with Dirk Gruebel KTM Factory Racing Team Manager on topics current to present day and beyond.
Having first interviewed Dirk on visit to KTM HQ in 2015, it was welcome opportunity to have Dirk share thoughts on 2020 MXGP season Opening Rounds, thoughts on work ethic of KTM Team and what’s behind the meaning of KTM Brands philosophy of ‘Ready to Race’.
With outstanding results in MXGP Opening Rounds in both premier classes, Dirk would be more than pleased with start to season. Jeffrey Herlings nailed MXGP Overall wins in Rounds 1 and 2, along with rising star Tom Vialle leading MX2 points table with 2 wins from 4 after Round 2 at Valkenswaard in early March.
Equally in Dirk’s boxes ticked is watching 8x World MX Champion Antonio Cairoli battling with team-mate Herlings on the track- not giving the KTM Dutch rider an inch, rather making #84 honest in his quest for MXGP Championship Title.
And, mention newly recruited Rene Hofer to Dirk, who was quietly surprised at the rookie’s display of skill and technique in nailing first MX2 holeshot at Matterley Basin, along with pushing team-mate Tom Vialle to perform his best on tricky track conditions- in both Rounds.
In current situation of COVID-19 grinding everything around the world to a halt, available time presented an opportunity to put number of questions to Dirk. Steering conversation around: 1) what is it like managing 2 world-class MX Champions under one KTM umbrella?
2) With feeder system in place, and proving successful with Jorge Prado 2018 and 2019 MX2 Champion now entering MXGP- how does Dirk and KTM Team select which rider has Championship qualities?
And 3) With bottom line always about selling Motorcycles to sustain a Motorsport company’s growth- KTM reverses priority- putting their people first and foremost at top of list to maintain Brands founding principle of ‘Ready to Race’. Dirk’s thoughts please.
MXLink Live will broadcast conversation on above topics with KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Dirk Gruebel on April 13th at 7.00pm local time.
Live links below: https://www.facebook.com/mxlinksharoncox/videos/537840920470762/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5LtzV4ayj0
Words: Sharon Cox.
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