Spain’s Repsol Honda Team rider, who this weekend was awarded with the FIM Trial World Champion title for no less than the eighth time, believes that this year’s rivalry will force him to improve yet more.
Congratulations Toni on the eighth title. You’ve made history in the motorcycle world. Did you think that you would be able to pull it off? How did it feel?
No matter how much you think about, you have no idea how you will feel in the end. Today I feel total happiness. It was a perfect day; winning the race and the title. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Saturday’s victory was very important, especially because it meant that you could go into it more relaxed, and get another win, the seventh of the season....
Yes, as you put it, Saturday was the key. The sections were pretty complicated, which allowed us to use 100% of the skill that we have. It was crucial to win the penultimate race, with Adam third on the podium, that was a great day. Also, I’ve been very consistent this season. I’ve won seven races, But I was never off the podium in the others, finishing in second. Consistency is very important in a world championship.
You were looking very comfortable on the bike. Is it all about confidence?
Without doubt. There is always a perfect understanding between the Montesa Cota 4RT and me. When I get to the point that I think I can’t make it, then the machine ends up convincing me that it is really possible. I’m really happy to use the Cota. I don’t think that it would have been possible without it.
From last April you officially began a new phase as 100% part of HRC. Has it required more responsibility?
Yeah, this season we have started with HRC, and we couldn’t ask for anything better. The team has worked really hard, and for me, in the beginning, it made me suffer, for the pressure to not lose the title. Our relationship couldn’t have got off to a better start. But in the end everything has fallen into place. The team, my team hasn’t changed, and they are a part of the success that I have achieved too.
Of the eight titles, they say that you never forget the first one all your life. And the eighth, will you remember it in the same way?
Yes. I’m sure. The first world championship win is the best, there’s no denying it, because when you get it, you always doubt that you’ll be able to repeat it again. But this title is very special, not just because it’s the eighth and this is a date for the future, but also because Adam [Raga] made it so difficult and we went into the final race, both with chances of winning. To be able to overcome the pressure that I had been subjected to has been fantastic.
Your main worry was finding a race that would have been too easy.
Yes, especially after the French race, where we found a very easy course and Adam and I both finished with two marks after 36 sections. But we had never been to Arnedo, and we didn’t know what to expect, but Saturday was a great race, and Sunday was even better.
How would you describe your riding over this last week?
Well, I think that the riding has been perfect, but as far as I’m concerned, I think there are still things that I can improve upon. The challenge for us is to keep progressing and getting better. There are still things in which I make mistakes, that could be improved. Some I’ve been able to remedy, and others that still need to be worked on.
So, what will be your next challenge?
Well, next week we will be competing in Andorra. It is the Trial de Nations, a competition which I like for the format and for the good fun that we have with the other participants. Once again, the Spanish team is the favourite, and I hope to be able to live up to expectations.