Interview Nicolas DEPARROIS (F – Honda)

“My goal? To reach the podium!”

Tuesday, 18.00, Toulouse-Blagnac airport... As we go to the gate towards Lisbon, we met Nicolas DEPARROIS (F - Honda) who took the same flight as us after a quick visit to France instead of following all the riders who went directly to Vale de Cambra after the end of the race... The new Honda rider answered us on his start of the season, his goals and his look on his opponent...

Nicolas, why aren’t you already in Vale de Cambra?
Nicolas DEPARROIS: "I would have loved to follow all my friends from Solsona directly to Vale de Cambra but unfortunately I hurt my thumb in a crash in the Enduro test on Sunday. So I preferred to return to France, make some exams in the sports clinic of Montpellier before knowing if I took the direction of Portugal or not. For a long time, we feared a ruptured ligament and finally radios showed that it was a sprain of the second phalanx of the thumb. Then, they decided to make me a splint thermo regulated and so I quickly looked for a plane available to go to Vale de Cambra..."

Thumb injuries are recurrent in the Honda team...
N.D: "Apparently so! Alex SALVINI is quite annoyed with it and for my part; I've had this kind of injury in 2009. This had caused me to wear a splint and riding in pain until mid-season so I know what is waiting for me. I could also stay home, but I'll try not to think about it and save significant points, and why not pass over in pain to show what I can do and catch up..."

Apart from this injury, what is your assessment of this first Grand Prix?
N.D: "It was an opening Championship a bit difficult, I have not had the desired results. But I'm still quite reassured and satisfied with my speed. The first day I was fourth for half the day and I struggled with Jeremy TARROUX for a place on the podium. But I fall in the last two Enduro Test of the day, which relegated me to the eighth place. I then thought I would catch up the next day but I never managed to find the rhythm in the Enduro Test while I realized good time in the other two special tests. I then took too many risks in the ET and I fell on the last lap, which earned me this beautiful sprained thumb..."

"I took too many risks in the Enduro Test!"

Decidedly, this Enduro Test was difficult for every rider...
N.D: "For me, it's really the kind of special that I appreciate. It was admittedly a bit long but there was also a small clearing in the middle which allowed pick up speed. When I walked it, I sensed immediately that it would really please me, but I had to roll finally a bit of trouble finding my bearings. In addition to this, we had to change the settings of the bike at the last moment and it disturbed me... We will work this weekend to try to find the power at low revs. But to talk again about the special test, it was a really great one. I was sure there would be large differences in view of its length! As the class is very tough, the smallest mistake is paid cash and that's what happened to me with five crashes in two days!"

You talk about problems with the Honda; you have experienced difficulties in adapting to it?
N.D: "Not really! But the agreement between Yannis KOLIGLIATIS (INA TV Racing) and Honda Zanardo was done at the last moment. I was surprised at this last minute change. So we tried to work faster. What's great is that the mechanics are listening and trying to help me during the race. We’ll make again some tests on Thursday in the training area to accept the changes and it should be good in Portugal!"

But at the end, you're still with Ina TV or you signed with Franco MAYR and the Red Moto team?
N.D: "No, I'm still an Ina TV rider with young Italian Nicolo BRUSCHI. But Yannis has an agreement with Franco MAYR to get the support of Red team Moto that has also to include Ina TV team. I enjoy the bike, parts, support and team mechanics..."

"I quickly saw that NAMBOT’ was fast on the 4T!"

How is your relationship with SALVINI under the Honda awning?
N.D: "It was the first race we were together so we didn’t see each other too much. In addition, he was quite disappointed with his Grand Prix despite the fact he scored valuable points. I already knew him so we have a good relationship! "

Despite the double victory of Christophe NAMBOTIN, the E1 class seems very open...
N.D: "Yes, it is true that our class is very open this season. Although NAMBOT has dominated this first Grand Prix while many people doubted of his ability to adapt to this bike. I quickly saw during the Super Test he was very fast on the 4 stroke. We also saw that GUERRERO could make mistakes and that the two Sherco riders were really in the game. It's a bit in the continuity of the end of the Championship of last year. I will try to fight with them and try to do better. But do not give up too many points right away..."

NAMBOTIN... MEO... Who do you prefer as opponent?
N.D: "The question is not easy! I could tell you I would prefer Christophe if you had asked me before the Grand Prix in Catalunya! I'm glad to face NAMBOT’. I've never been racing against him in Enduro. I hope he will not kill the category as MEO did before. I hope he will be tickled anyway, just to put a little spice!"

"I miss some podiums..."

Do you have the title in mind?
N.D: "I came to Spain with much more assurance than in the past years and of course highly motivated. I would not like to relive last year scenarios with a good start to the race as in Greece and then a problem late in the day. My main goal is to hang podiums. This is what I really miss today and I think I'm capable of. Before talking about title, let's face it, we must talk about podium. In addition there is a “bone” this year called NAMBOTIN... But I know that Christophe is not infallible! "

You made your main career in E1. Don’t you want to discover the other categories?
N.D: "I did a season in E2 with Fabrizio AZZALIN team on the 250cc 2T. But it is true that this is something that would please me so, why not. I like the riding style of the E1 too. I've rolled on big bikes and I quickly adapted me even if we have a complete change of ride."

Tell us your favorites for other categories?
N.D: "We saw that Ivan CERVANTES was not bad. I also rely heavily on BELLINO as big underdog and also PHILLIPS as I saw him racing at the opening round of the Italian Championship and he impressed me a lot. In E2, it is very difficult, they are four. I can’t give any favorites! Pela has already had the title, MEO absolutely wants it to show he is as good on bigger bikes, SALVINI is struggling at the moment but will be very dangerous from Greece and Johnny shows he is present with the Beta. Of course it would be great to be a French! But it's very hard to say. Don’t forget my friend Julien GAUTHIER but unfortunately he is not racing the whole championship (he laughs)..."