We caught up with Simpson this week and asked him about his weekend and also his progress coming into next month’s Grand Prix of Bulgaria.

MXlarge: Shaun, you got a win last weekend which is great, but are you a little disappointed you didn’t get a moto win?

Simpson: Yes and no. I went for fun, practice, see friends and enjoy myself and yes I was a bit disappointed that I didn't win a race, but I was a bit hard on myself. I didn't get a good start in any of the races and I was always coming from behind. I was happy with my speed, I felt like I was the fastest guy from midway to the end of the race.

MXlarge: What made it difficult last weekend?

Simpson: The Maxxis is different now and instead of just two longer motos they have the three 20 minute motos and just when I got going and I was on the back wheel of the guy in front the race would end. I really enjoyed myself and that was the main goal.

MXlarge: I guess it’s difficult to prepare for racing the shorter races because you are preparing for the longer 40 minutes races at GP level?

Simpson: I think for the British guys who are doing the British races all the time I think it's easier, you can practice for that, but being a Grand Prix rider I need to focus on the longer motos, my 40 minute motos and you do suffer a bit because it takes some laps to get going.  In the Grand Prix with the longer motos you can come into your own in those last 20 or 25 minutes. In the Maxxis you have to go from the gun. I mean Swordy got a good start, put in a couple of really good laps and was away. By the time I got into second and then got onto his back wheel with two or three laps to go, but it wasn't a good track for passing. It was my fault I didn't get a good start, you can say that. I mean it also helps in some ways; it helps your speed at the beginning of a race.

MXlarge: What is it with Honda's, they used to be fast out of the start, but Honda riders seem to have problems out of the start now?

Simpson: I don't know, obviously for me its different coming from the MX2 class to the MX1 class. On the MX2 bike it's just wide open until the first corner, on the MX1 you have more power and you have to gauge your power, looking out if you spin the back wheel, will it grip, or wheelie out of the start, there is a lot more to think about.

MXlarge: In saying that in many people’s opinions the Honda’s are the best bikes out there. The Bulgarian start straight is rather long and that should help you?

Simpson: I think most of the Grand Prix's the start gates are ripped and then we will see who has the fastest bike. I mean I think by the time Bulgaria comes around we will have a lot of things sorted out. I need to practice more starts. I mean that is why we do these early season races, do see what we need to do for the opening Grand Prix. I am happy where we are at the moment.

MXlarge: Back to the enjoyment side of the racing, was last weekend the first time in a long time you have gone to a race and totally enjoyed it?

Simpson: I think so, I did Valence and another French International, but the weather wasn't good and you couldn't relax and everyone was going the same speed. So you couldn't really enjoy it as much. Last weekend the track was dry and fun, so I had some fun. I felt more relaxed and I was riding around with a big smile on my face and I wanted to do another race after the third moto that is how much I enjoyed it.

Simpson: Moving class, moving machinery, moving clothing brand, moving house, everything put together it makes a good story I guess. Moving from KTM to a team that maybe isn't a factory team. I also want to prove something this year. It's nice getting publicity, good for sponsors, but I don't want to get bumped up too much. I mean in 2009 I had a lot of pressure, everyone saying I would be World Champion and everyone saying to me I hope you can win the Championship. Everyone expects you to do it and I expected to do it, but it put that added little bit of pressure.

MXlarge: It all comes back to being happy at the races and letting that help your performance.

Simpson: That is why I am going in with an open mind, if I can get top ten I will be happy, if I finish fifth great and a podium I will be over the moon. Before all I wanted was to win and then you get a third and it's disappointing. It plays on your mind. I will just try and give it my all.

MXlarge: What are your plans now moving into Bulgaria?

Simpson: I am doing Gemert this weekend in Holland; it's a nice race and close to my house. Then I do Hawkstone Park, which is an International, and then I have second round of the British Championship and the first round of the Red Bull Pro Nationals. I've ridden the last three weekends. That is how I want to do it, and that is what Ken Roczen did last year, he rode nearly every weekend. He did six or eight races before the first Grand Prix. He looked at home in Bulgaria. I want to get as much time on the bike to get everything sorted. Even just trying out my camper, spending a few nights in your campers so it all gets comfortable.

MXlarge: Does that also make Bulgaria just seem like another race?

Simpson: That also, I mean it's just another race. Of course it's the first round of the World Motocross Championship, the most important Championship. I mean many of these races I am doing it doesn't really matter how I do, but obviously in Bulgaria I want to do really well.