Erik Riss: “But you’ve got to have some balls for that”

Hello Erik, how did things go in Morizès from your point of view?

In terms of results, things went very well for me again this time, but it was really hectic there. In Scheeßel it was quite relaxed; everything went smoothly with six starts and six wins.

In Morizès, you also won your first race by a clear margin.

Yes, certainly, it started well with the win in the first heat, but from the second heat onwards, my clutch burnt out every single time. Before each subsequent heat, we took the clutch apart and fitted new linings. But that didn’t help.

In your fourth heat, you only finished third – and were almost last.

Yes, the clutch was causing me such problems that I couldn’t really build up any speed. And yet I’d felt beforehand that this would be the easiest of the heats.

But after that, the bike ran better again – after all, you did win the race ahead of Zach Wajtknecht.

Yes, the bike was running as it should again and we were then able to secure victory in the final as well. I’m obviously delighted with the GP win, but it could all have been a bit more relaxed. If it hadn’t been for those problems, it could have been another maximum points win. But all’s well that ends well.”

What do you think of the track at Marmande?

It’s the only track in our sport with three bends, which makes it very special, but that doesn’t mean it’s extremely demanding. For me personally, Marmande is my absolute favourite track. Let’s get that out of the way first. It’s precisely because of the three bends that I really enjoy racing there – I always have. I’ve been there four times so far and have finished on the podium every time. Two of those were wins, which is a pretty good record.

So the track isn’t difficult to drive, as others say?

No, I actually think it’s easier to drive there because you’re constantly drifting due to the three bends. That’s loads of fun, because there are loads of lines and you can cut across a lot. Normally, the fastest line is on the outside, because once all the grass has been worn away, it’s all on the outside. And if you really go for it there, you’ve got plenty of grip. But you do need a bit of guts for that, because the barrier on the outside comes at you pretty quickly.

You’re not taking part in the ‘Long Track of Nations’. Weren’t you asked?

Yes, I was, but I’ve got the Speedway Final with Landshut in the Polish league on the same day. That’s my priority.