Shaun Simpson on MX1 and coming back to Honda

LS Honda Racing rider, Shaun Simpson, has a red heritage, having
ridden with Honda from 2002 to 2003 and from 2005 to 2006. His move to
LS Honda Racing marks a return to red machinery but with a very new
challenge.  Simpson is no stranger to big bikes however, having ridden
the MX1 machine at the 2009 Motocross of Nations and in the British
Championship, with a good level of success on both occasions. He has
now taken the big step up, to compete full time in the MX1 World
Championship. We caught up with Shaun to find out more on his feelings
about coming back to Honda and his ambitions for the season ahead.

Q. How do you feel coming back to Honda?
A.
At the moment everything is going all right, you know I’m feeling good
on the bike and feeling smooth. We have a few more things to work on
with the bike but we have some more time before the first GP. I don’t
want to be too fast now, I want to try and build it up this year if you
know what I mean. Staying fit and healthy is obviously key to this! My
speed is good but could always do with improving but I think that will
come as me and the team work more closely together throughout the
season.

Q. A lot of people have said that you've looked ready to step up to the bigger bike for a while now, do you agree?
A.
I’m quite a big guy, around 80kgs, so I think I’m suited to the bigger
bike physically. I am not like the current breed of MX2 riders such as
Roczen and Musquin, I am fundamentally a bigger guy. It really just
felt like to right time to make the move so we made the decision, I
guess there’s no turning back but I feel good on it and am just going
to ride what I have underneath me.

Q. So what are your thoughts on team mate Ken De Dycker?
A.
Ken is a real chilled out guy. He is really quiet and doesn’t really
say a lot but he is a real good guy. Obviously on the track things are
going to be a bit more heated but off track I think we will get on well
together. I mean we’re not going to be hanging out together everyday
but I think that there will not be any bad feeling between us. We both
want to do the best for the team.

Q. And your other Honda counterparts, Rui and Bobby, in the Honda World Motocross team?
A.
I think Bobby is pretty comfortable with the Honda having ridden it for
all of last year and he is coming of some good form last season, so I
think he can carry that on into the start of this season.  It seems
that maybe Rui is taking a little longer to adjust to the bigger bike.
I am not sure exactly what he is struggling with but I am sure he will
be there or there abouts come season start. It may just be a matter of
time getting used to the 450. It is good if Honda does well but at the
end of the day we are there for me and that is my main focus.

Q. What’s next in your pre-season preparations?
A.
I am doing a couple more smaller races and a couple more weeks of
practice. Just to keep doing what I’m doing really. You know racing
builds your speed up so this is the best way to prepare in my eyes. I
think we are on a good track and things are looking positive. Just need
to stay healthy and fast!