Interview with Dylan Ferrandis

I translated it from a French interview he did with Moto Verte. 

It's a bit long, but it's worth the read. 

After seven US seasons with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and four titles, Dylan Ferrandis is about to take on a new challenge. At the age of 29, the Frenchman joins the Phoenix Honda team, with strong backing from Factory Connection, which is taking advantage of the opportunity to sign his comeback in the US SX "game". DF14 looks back on his last two difficult years and looks forward to a bright future with the Reds.

The good news came recently. After several weeks of uncertainty, you have signed your contract for an eighth American season?

I've signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Honda team to compete for a full season in 450 SX/MX/SMX. The deal includes clauses allowing a contract extension at the end of 2024. This team is involved in numerous championships in the US since it fields riders in GNCC (US enduro), Arenacross, and Supercross on both 250 East and West coasts. My signing with them will coincide with their debut in 450 Supercross and Promotocross.

Factory Connection, which hasn't been officially present in US SX since the Geico Honda team stopped, is also taking the opportunity to get back into the game by supporting you in this project, is that right?

Exactly! During the last three events of the Nationals 2023 and during the SMX races, as I wasn't in sync with my Yamaha's suspensions, I asked Star Racing if I could ride with Factory Connection settings. They agreed, so I contacted Rick Zielfelder, who's the boss at FC. I loved what he offered me. We got on really well. The feeling went well between us. We got closer and he admitted to me that he really loved getting back into the competitive world for these few races. From there, we tried to put together a deal to work together. Ziggy knew the owner of Phoenix Honda well. It was a natural fit. He has a lot of experience. A few years ago, he had revived riders like LaRocco and Windham who, like me, no longer had a factory deal. The Factory Connection staff is very competent, including in terms of engine preparation. All these people are returning to business to work on this new project.

Regarding your personal sponsors, will there also be changes?

To begin with, I'd like to thank those who have decided to remain faithful to me and accompany me on this new adventure. These include Monster Energy, Bell, 100%, and Alpinestars. As for the gear, since I'm no longer a factory rider, Thor decided to terminate my contract. That's the way it is, it's the law of business, I understand. I'll be wearing the colors of a different company in 2024 (negotiations were underway at the time of this ITW). I want to work with people who are motivated and believe in me, that's the most important thing.

In terms of the overall organization, how will things work with Phoenix Honda?

The team is based in North Carolina in the Charlotte area. It doesn't have a private compound to allow riders to prepare, as is the case with Yamaha or KTM. My wife Nastasia and I made the decision to move to Clermont, in the Orlando area. I've been based here for a few weeks now. At first, the aim was to be able to ride at the Moto Sandbox compound where Roczen, Sexton, and Vialle ride. In the end, after I'd been given the go-ahead, some of the riders weren't so keen for me to come... As I'm very close to the Lawrence brothers and they're OK, I'll go and ride at their place. They've bought out Chad Reed's old complex, and it's magnificent. It's got two SX tracks and a big MX track, so it'll be perfect.

Was it really your desire to ride Honda this year?

To be honest, for years I've considered the CR-F to be the best 450 in the field. When you are under contract with another manufacturer, these are not things you can say, it’s normal. In 2021, when I won the Pro Motocross title, I was often fighting with Roczen. I could see how the Honda reacted. Same thing in SX, we often film the competition to analyze certain things. I've always considered this bike to be really accomplished. In 2020, after my 250 SX and MX championships, when it came time to move up to 450, I negotiated with Honda to sign with them. In the end, I opted for Yamaha's superb offer. In 2022, when I extended my contract with Star Racing, my agent was also talking to Honda. This desire to ride a CR-F is nothing new. In the end, it won't be with a factory bike, but it's still a great opportunity for me.

To develop your bike, will you get any support from HRC?

Yes, we should be able to benefit from some parts and information for tuning, that’s a plus. But with FC and Ziggy, the aim is really to fine-tune the bike for me, in line with my expectations. On the other hand, Honda will be paying my bonuses, not the team, for example. Even though they spent a lot of money this season to pay Jett and Hunter, they've decided to follow me next year. In fact, it was these financial negotiations that delayed the announcement of my signature. Today, everything is validated and I'm very happy.

Financially, have you had to make big sacrifices?

Obviously, the deal is not comparable to the one I had with Yamaha, but the contract remains interesting. We have made sure that if the results are there, I will be there. If new financial partners want to join the project, I would have an incentive. My choice is above all a sporting one. I've been lucky enough to sign some great contracts with Star Racing, which is great. But money has never been my number one criterion. What motivates me is the sport and good results. Now, the main thing is to find pleasure again and to fight at the front. And if I'm riding well, the money will come, that's not a problem.

During your first outings with the CR-F, was the feeling good?

The first time I tested the bike, I hadn't ridden for five weeks. I was excited, very happy, and felt at ease right from the start. Afterwards, I went to ride a great MX session at the Lawrence's, on a very rough track. I was able to see for myself just how good the chassis was. I really understand why the Hondas are dominant. My first few laps confirmed what I'd imagined!

Given your track record and your MX season, aren't you frustrated at no longer having a factory ride?

I don't know, maybe a little... Anyway, I've known for a long time that all the teams were fully booked. I've had time to get used to it. I'd like to remind you that Star Racing Yamaha offered to validate the option I had with them for 2024. I made the decision not to do it.

Did your agent talk to certain teams where the doors were closed?

Of course, he went to see everyone. But the budgets were already set and there was no solution for me. A factory rider costs a lot of money. There's the salary, but also the mechanics, the parts, the bikes, the expenses... Teams are stretched to the limit and can't take out an extra factory bike like that. We were in discussions with Suzuki HEP, but Roczen wasn't really interested in having me as a teammate. So that's as far as it went.

You've always been frank, even when it comes to talking about equipment. Don't you think this approach may have influenced some factory teams not to take you on?

Maybe, it's possible, I don't really know. It's my character, I'm like that, I'm not going to change, I accept it. This year, it was so hard for me to hide the fact that I couldn't ride my bike that I just had to get it out. I wasn't happy, I was suffering too much...

We saw with Roczen that we could completely relaunch ourselves in a private team. Are you in that state of mind? 

When we started talking about this potential deal with Phoenix Honda and Factory Connection, the fact of being the only 450 rider and having all the attention on me obviously counted in my decision. At Yamaha, my best seasons were when my teammates were underperforming and the team was giving everything for me. Things changed with the arrival of Tomac. The trend was reversed and things became more complicated. Roczen's example at Suzuki is a good one. He's got his level back, his joie de vivre. The staff are doing everything to put him in the best possible condition. And when you're like that, the motivation comes back. That's exactly what I need. That's why I'm happy to have found this solution.

A few weeks ago, you mentioned the possibility of ending your career. Have you really thought about this? 

Yes, those weren’t just empty words. I really went through a tough period. I felt so out of touch with my bike that I actually hated my life! I hated riding, going to races... I just couldn't do it anymore. The sport was passing me by. I wasn't enjoying it anymore. When you've spent your whole life practicing a discipline you love, having a great time - even if certain periods in the past weren't easy, of course - and you find yourself in this situation of disgust, it's hard to deal with. For the last two years, I've been on the verge of depression... When you've tasted victory and suddenly you're no longer out in front, and you can't see a solution, it's horrible. The last two years have really not been fun! I've had to fight to keep my head above water.

Today, have you rediscovered the drive, motivation, and determination that have always been your strength?

Honestly, that experience really traumatized me. It's going to take me some time to recover. But this new opportunity will help me. I've got a strong team behind me and the bike I've been wanting to ride for a while, so it's all positive. Our move is also very important. We feel really good in our new home, in this different environment. With my wife, we try to put everything in place to regain our balance in life. I worked hard for years and it paid off. For the past two years, that's no longer the case. I need to rebuild myself! What makes me happy or unhappy is moto. So that's what affects everything else. I did everything I could to finish my 2023 season well. I held on, and now I need new momentum. The problems didn't come from the Star Racing team, but from the fact that I never managed to adapt to the new YZ-F. It's not a bad machine, far from it, it just doesn't suit my riding.

Why do you think you had so much trouble adapting it to your expectations? 

As I've already mentioned, things changed when Tomac arrived with his best man from his wedding (Ricki Gilmour), who was also in charge of suspensions. From then on, it became more complicated for me to do testing, for example. The chassis of the 2023 was fine for SX, but the suspensions didn't keep up. For MX, we never managed to find what suited me.

You are the first rider to give the Star Racing team a 450 title. Do you think you would have deserved more consideration? 

Yes and no, not so much in the end. Everything I wanted, I always had it with the team. This year, they went out of their way to try and keep me happy in the nationals. Maybe I should have asked earlier if I could ride with Factory Connection suspension? I didn't think they would accept and yet that's what they did. As I said, the change came with the signing of Tomac. It’s the normal life of a team after all. We all have the same equipment at the start, we decide which direction to take and then on race day, whoever gets the best result naturally becomes number one. This is undoubtedly what happened to me with Eli, but the team never let me down. 

Has the idea of returning to Europe and finding a ride in MXGP ever crossed your mind?

No, not for a second. When you ride in the USA, you understand that this is where the sport really happens. In Europe, the MXGP world championship is great, with excellent riders of course, but once you've had a taste of the American championships, it's hard to turn back. My priority is still Supercross!

450 Supercross is the only US championship in which you haven't yet managed to win a race. Will that be one of your objectives for 2024?

Yes, if a top-level racer doesn't want to go out and win, there's no point getting up in the morning to train. After that, you have to be objective and not rush things. I'm a bit behind schedule in my preparations, having only signed my contract at the beginning of November. I probably won't be at 100% for Anaheim, but I'm going to give it my all. The main objective is to have a great season, to rediscover the pleasure of performing, and above all, to be able to give it my all every time!

Giving your all every time, hasn’t that been the case in recent months? 

It's a very important notion for me. Because I wasn't comfortable, I couldn't do it anymore. After some races, I'd go home and not even be tired. It was hard to accept! With my athletic nature, I'd rather be beaten after having stripped myself like never before, than go home with that feeling of duty not really fulfilled. It's a very frustrating situation. Of course, I've had bad days in the past, but I've never had a full season like that.

This year, you also suffered a concussion when you crashed at the Houston SX after three solid first races. Is it difficult to come back from this kind of injury? 

I'd never experienced this type of problem before. When you have a fracture, whether you have an operation or not, the bone heals and that's it. The brain is much more complex. I had to find the right people, be patient, do the right tests, get the right care. In the end, I came back to 100% after three, or four months, and that's the main thing.

Since you stopped working with David Vuillemin, you haven't had a coach to support you. Isn't that a mistake? 

It's my choice. Having a coach is great, as long as you find the right person. After I stopped training with DV, my main priority was to get my bike ready for when the SX tracks are destroyed. And for that, I didn't feel the need to have a trainer. I knew that my speed and physique were there. After that, when you're not comfortable on the bike, it's not the coach who's going to change the situation. What I needed was a technician who could analyze why I was feeling out of sync. That kind of person doesn't come along very often.

A quick word on the new SuperMotocross format, did you like it?

There are pros and cons. What's complicated is that it adds three more races after seasons of 17 SX and 11 MX races. Honestly, by the end of August, we're all exhausted. We need a rest, both the riders and the team staff. After that, I really enjoyed the first one in Charlotte, the dirt was good and the track was nice. I didn't like the second one in Chicago at all. In LA for the final, the track was beautiful, the stadium of course, but the quality of the dirt wasn't great either, very hard as is often the case in California. Everyone has their own vision of things. In all sports, there are more and more events, you need visibility, it's also a business. For us, it's not always easy to get back into riding SX in August to prepare while you're in the full swing of the MX season, it's restrictive.

A word about Jett Lawrence, who made a splash in the 2023 season. You'll be riding a CR-F just like him. Technically speaking, are there things you've observed in him that you could duplicate and apply?

Of course, you have to learn from all the riders who win. Jett is a child of Honda. He's grown up with this bike, he's built himself around this machine with a team that's done everything to make him feel in perfect harmony. That's the impression it gives, they're one and the same. As a result, he's able to do different things. There are a few things to pick up, that's obvious. After that, the question is whether we can do it too. When you're training, you know what your weak points are, you know what you need to improve, and it's important to look at what's being done best so you can draw inspiration from it.

France won the MXoN in Ernée and you could have been part of that selection, but you weren't. How did you experience it from a distance? 

I followed the race, of course, it's one of the most beautiful events of the year. Of course, I would have loved to be there! France won, which is cool, I was happy for them. My non-selection had no impact on my relations with the FFM and Gautier Paulin, for example. As soon as my former team asked for a lot of money so that I could go, the die was cast. If I get a call next year, and all the conditions are right, I'll be there, because it's an event I really enjoy.

Tom Vialle was part of the adventure in Ernée. How did you find his first US season? Do you think he's capable of competing for 250 SX/MX titles in 2024?

Tom rode well in MX, winning an event and taking a few podiums. In SX, it was harder, but that's logical. For his first year, he found himself at Baker's Factory, with a group of riders who are used to the program... It's not easy to fit in there, whereas when you first arrive, you have more need to learn, to spend time on the track. In the end, you're limited in your organization and you have to bend to the rules. For 2024, he's going to change the way he prepares, and that's the right solution. Tom does things the right way and has a year's experience at his disposal, which is important. Like all the top riders arriving from Europe, he'll have an easier time in MX. Supercross is a different matter. You have to get over the mental hurdle. SX is scary, and you have to be able to accept a little bit of madness that allows you to rise above the danger and give it your all. That's the key to success.

You tested the Stark Varg a few weeks ago, before announcing your signing with Phoenix Honda. How do you feel about this new bike? Do you think it can compete with the best thermal machines in the major championships? 

I tested the Stark on a Supercross track, and it's completely different, but the potential is there. On the other hand, I'm not sure that all riding styles will be able to adapt to the specificities of the electric motor. It's a machine that's very different from the combustion engines. I think the brand can aim for the high level, but from there to quickly beat the best current machines, I don't think so. There will still need to be development.

Finally, the 2024 season is about to get underway. What's the program until Anaheim?

I took it easy for five weeks after the SMX and started my physical preparation at the beginning of October. The aim was to be sharp when I got back on the bike. That's what happened when I rode the CR-F for the first time. Now, I've got to ride a lot of SX to get back into the swing of things and regain the things that came automatically to me, learn the CR-F, and be as ready as possible for A1. I'm highly motivated!

Edit: Typo