Mark Jones ready to race at Mallory
May 23, 2008
With the entry list hot off the press and the number 37 in this years British GP having his name beside it, ARB Kawasaki's Mark Jones is revelling in the chance to get back in the big league after what has been a promising year for the 29 year old Welshman.
With him leading both Pro classes in this years British Masters series, and despite a last race DNF (Gear lever got bent under the bike in the leg 2 crash, plus feeling the worse for wear) at the Lyng British Open round costing him a good haul of points, still being in the hunt for 2nd in the series can only breed confidence.
Mark took time out of his training and 'House Bashing' schedule (Getting his new house into shape to hopefully move in soon), to give Markjones-mx.com his thoughts on the UK-GP.
MJ-MX.COM - It's your first GP in nearly a year. How do you approach this one-off appearance on the world stage?
"Coming in as a wildcard is always tough as the intensity level at a GP is just something else. There is definitely an advantage in the speed you gain running with the top guy's in the world week in, week out, but I just need to step up and show that I deserve to be there by right myself.
MJ-MX.COM - Being the first time it's been used for MX, what do you know of the Mallory Park circuit?
"The reports I'm getting on the Mallory track are real positive. Sounds like Gareth Hockey and his crew have pulled out all the stops to give us an exciting new track for the British GP. It's the first time anyone will have rode there in anger so that will level the playing field a little.
MJ-MX.COM - You have had a strong year to date. You should be confident of a few points?
"My speed has been good this year and my time on the 250F in the (British) Masters has helped with carrying corner speed and being more aggressive. We are still going to have to be at 110% to qualify then just push hard in the race to get a few points, but yeh, I know points are there for me to take.
MJ-MX.COM - What's been the main difference for this year?
"Staying fit and the bike set up is really good which brings the best out of you, and it helps you stay on (Said with a huge grin!). Dave (Morgan - Mark's Mechanic), ARB tuning and I have worked hard to set up the bike, to get the best out of what is a stock package. We have no trick bits on the bike, just hard work under the skin. We know we will be a bit down on power compared to a lot of machines come next weekend, but what counts more is the size of the fight in the dog, not the dog in the fight!"
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