Easily cleaning out the MX2 class and clocking lap times similar to the leading MX1 riders.

We caught up with Gautier as he took the long drive from Italy to Belgium where he will spend some days riding in the sand and compete in the opening round of the Dutch Motocross Championship. Here is what the always open and friendly Frenchman had to tell us.

MXlarge: Gautier thanks for taking our call and congratulation on last weekend. How did you find last weekend?

Paulin: The weekend went well for me. Because we had so much rain in the week, and on the weekend they worked hard on the track and the dirt was perfect, it was prepared like a Grand Prix track, many ruts and really good for me. I had a great lap time early, second lap time overall just behind Ken De Dycker and two seconds faster than the second MX2 rider. Compared to the MX1 riders I was faster than Cairoli and Philippaerts so I was really happy about that.

MXlarge: What about your heat races?

Paulin: The first heat I had a great start, but then I hit third gear and it went back into second, so I didn’t’ get the holeshot, but I was still fourth. I moved into first on the first lap and I took my time to find good lines and when I found the good lines and riding better my speed was better and I won by 22 seconds.

In the second heat I had a normal start, like 5^th or 6^th and the first lap I passed the second placed rider, but Charlier was really far ahead because he had the holeshot. On the second lap I was on his back wheel and passed him. I did my best lap time also on that lap, I did a 1.47 that was a really good lap time, Charlier was riding 1.51 for his best lap time, but I was consistently riding 1.47 or 1.49, he was riding 1.50, or 1.51 and I won by 37 seconds. I was feeling great.

MXlarge: So you must have been totally happy with how it all went then?

Paulin: I feel so good and the bike is working really well, so I am happy about my weekend. I was riding well compared to Cairoli and the other 450cc riders. My goal was not so much to win, but with by 30 seconds and also to have good lap times compared to the MX1 riders.  That is what I did, so I am happy.

MXlarge: Last year you looked slow on the bike, too big and often your speed wasn’t there. How does it feel now riding for a factory team like Rinaldi?

Paulin: I have a factory team and a factory engine. It’s more professional, they already have many World Champions and they know what do to, they have a goal and they know what they want. For me it’s good with them, it’s like a big family, not just a family at the race, but also outside the racing. I feel so good with these people; it’s good for my confidence.

MXlarge: How was your winter preparation?

Paulin: I have always worked hard, but this winter I really pushed my body. I am taller than all the other MX2 riders and also a lot heavier than guys like Musquin or Roczen. I just want to do this challenge in the MX2 class, I am young and I know I can do something good, my starts are also good, I feel great, and it’s going to be a good season.

MXlarge: Riding in America for those early Supercross races, you did well.

Paulin: I am working hard and I think I can do some good races in America. I fought with the guys at the front with more experience. It was new for me, I had no experience and also I was injured after the MXoN, so I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare, I only had one month of training. I know how I work and I know my goals and I think I can do something good in America.

MXlarge: Was there interest from teams in America for you?

Paulin: We had some interest in me, but I signed for the 2010 season in the World Motocross Championship and that is my goal for the moment, but for sure next year I ride MX1 bike and if I ride in the World Championship or America nothing is decided yet. I really don’t know what I would do in 2010; I haven’t decided what I want to do next year.

MXlarge: And what is your preparation for Bulgaria, what races do you have coming up?

Paulin: I go and ride in the sand this week, I need to improve my sand skills and I want better results in places like Valkenswaard, Lommel and Lierop. Now I just do sand riding, also I will ride the opening round of the Dutch Championship in Mill, to get some training in the sand. Then I come back home in France and do some training on the bike, but Mill will be the only race before Bulgaria.