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The Portimão track will be boasting two American riders this weekend! Besides Garrett Gerloff, we’ll also be seeing Jake Gagne in action. The winner of the MotoAmerica will, in fact, be present at the Portuguese stage with a Yamaha R1 specially prepared by his team.
The American rider has great expectations and is curious to see what he’ll be able to accomplish four years after the last time he participated in a World Championship race. It was, in fact, during his Honda years, when he tackled tracks with a CBR, which had nothing to do with the other bikes in terms of potential.
“Here I am. It’s cool to be back in the Superbike paddock,” he began. “This is my last commitment of the season, then I’ll finally be able to enjoy a bit of deserved relaxation, since this 2022 was very tough. I’m busy and curious to see what I can do.”
Jake, everyone is wondering what will Gagne do in Portimão?
“I don’t even know,” he said smiling. “As you well know, this is a different challenge compared to MotoAmerica, even if the bike is the same, in some ways. The tires change, but I got to try the Pirelli in California before arriving here in Portugal. My goal is to have fun, without expectations, since this weekend will be a leap in the void for me.”
You’re coming from your second title in MotoAmerica. You couldn’t have expected more?
“The goal was to confirm ourselves, and we managed to rreach it. It was a great year, where I became more onfident riding the Yamaha and with the team. The best thing is to have won the title in the last race after a great challenge with Petrucci.”
You mentioned Danilo. What do you think of him?
“Danilo is a fantastic person, and we’re all grateful to him for coming to America to race. It was a great honor for me to go up against him, given the experience he’s gained over time. He’s a MotoGP rider, he raced the Dakar, so we can only have esteem and respect for him. He was a true rival, on the track and off. We thank him, because he made our Championship better known outside the States.”
Danilo was at the ahead of the Championship in the first part, then what happened?
“I think he felt the effects of his lack of experience in the MotoAmerica. From the outside, it may seem like the level is low, but there are many aspects to deal with. I’m thinking of the tracks, for example, many of which have holes and uneven asphalt. It certainly wasn’t easy for him to adapt, also considering that he had never seen many of the tracks before. My experience definitely played out in my favor, but I’m expecting him next year, because I’d like to see him back on the track.”
Did you fear you’d lose the title after the first races?
“The season didn’t start in the best way, but then we had circuits where the Yamaha proved to be competitive, so I was able to rely on my experience, bringing out the full potential of the bike. In the end, I’m an optimistic person by nature, and this has also helped me. After all, suffering is part of racing.”
What impressed you about Petrucci?
“Danilo is a nice person, and we never played dirty on the track. I was impressed by his perseverance, since he finished all the races, arriving at the last round, fighting for the title. He’s a fun, laid back guy. I think all the fans appreciated him.”
One of the topics being discussed this season is safety.
“That’s true, but we know what safety is in the BSB, too. If there were no safety, I don’t think anyone would race. In the end, however, there are always new riders starting in the classes and many more fans every year.”
Jake, when will we see you again in the World Championship?
“I don’t know. I’m staying in the MotoAmerica in 2023. I have the second year of my contract, then we’ll see. I’m open to anything.”
