It seems like just yesterday when David Vuillemin left France and
the World Motocross GP’s and moved to America – but that was
back in 2000. Vuillemin quickly established himself as a serious
Championship contender.
Now almost eight years later, the 30-year old is considered a
veteran. Like former Team Yamaha teammate Timmy Ferry, DV is an
excellent test rider, while still being fast enough to land on the
podium. This past year David not only finished as Top
Privateer in Supercross, he also finished the series in sixth – one
point behind fifth place finisher (and former Makita Suzuki rider) Ivan
Tedesco.
Now back on a factory team - Rockstar Makita Suzuki - and with the
all new Electronic Fuel Injected RMZ450, I look forward to seeing DV mix
it up with the Supercross front runners – as long as he gets healthy.
David; can you talk about your recent injury?
I sprained my thumb on October 30th; it has been over a month and I
am still suffering! It affects my riding, and I have to be really
careful when I do ride so that it doesn’t hurt it more. (The
thumb is a very unique “saddle” joint that is actually very complex,
and takes longer to heal). If we were in September, I
actually wouldn’t be riding at all, but at this period of the year I
need to get riding in. I am way behind in my program after my
Millville injuries, and then my sprained thumb.
In spite of your injury, are you getting the new bike set
up for you?
Yes, the bike is really easy to ride; I tested a few days and I
already feel very good on the bike. I am not worried about it, it
will be good. I just need to get some work done in this last month
to be ready for the 2008 season.
You were with factory Yamaha for many years, along with
several privateer teams; how is it at Makita Rockstar Suzuki?
It’s pretty similar Jim; I think that all the factory teams have
about the same resources and abilities. The only thing that is
different for me is that our bike doesn’t use a carburetor, and I have
to give good input about how to set the EFI up.
Speaking of that; as a pro rider can you “feel” the
EFI, or is it more something that helps your mechanic?
Well, EFI is new for riders, and even motocross engineers. The
team is doing a great job with it; when it’s set up, you cannot change
anything – not like a carburetor fuel screw on the starting line for
example. EFI has sensors that help the EFI adjust to different
temperatures – it’s all pretty cool.
When one thinks of Factory Suzuki, Roger DeCoster often
comes to mind – how is it working with him?
RD is a legend as a rider and a manager; he has done so much for the
teams and riders that he has worked for. He has a lot of
experience and knowledge, and I am sure that it will help all the riders
on the 2008 team – and beyond.
You have had teammates in the past, but the last few
years you have been almost the sole 450 team rider; like at BooKoo,
Motoworld Yamaha, and at MDK with Nick Wey out injured – what’s it
like being teamed up with a bunch of guys again?
It’s great to have teammates that are fast; Dungey is super-fast
these days. Mike (Alessi) has improved tremendously in Supercross,
and Burner (Michael Byrne) is a very technical supercross rider – I
think that everyone could help each other to become better!
2008 will see many riders changing teams, and several new
teams like Gibbs Racing; will next year be more competitive than ever?
I think that the 2008 season will be crazy! There is so much
talent in the 450 class; even if RC isn’t racing any longer. I
feel like this next season with be the most stacked series since 1986!
Anaheim is just over a month away; with your
sprained thumb, will you be ready?
I am not really sure Jim; thumb injuries take a long time to heal.
I hope to be in decent shape by A1, and build up from there.
It’s early December and I have only ridden six times in supercross on
the RMZ – I still have some work to do.
Last season you rode excellent, you were top Supercross
privateer, and it looked like you were getting close to be on the podium
until that crash at Phoenix.
2007 was okay for me; but I wish that my Phoenix crash had never
happened. I had great speed in practice at A1 and Phoenix –
close to the big three (RC, Stewart, and Reed). I then rode with
broken ribs for four to five weeks but never really found my speed
again. I don’t have the same preparation that I did in 2007
because of my Millville crash and my thumb. But I hope to be in
decent shape at Anaheim and build up from there; the main goal is to be
injury free and improve every weekend. The season will be really
long and we should not focus only on A1 – there are seventeen
supercrosses and twelve motocross nationals.
Any other thoughts David?
I’d like to thank my family, Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki for giving
me this great chance, Answer Racing, Alpinestars, Shark Helmets, and all
the fans and friends. Thanks too to the people on the message
board for their support!