When PaddockGP visited Cartagena last December for the private tests organised by Johann Zarco, we had the chance to talk to many French drivers. Among them, Remy Sanjuan, an ambitious young driver who is currently competing in JuniorGP.
Despite a late start in competition, Rémy Sanjuan has already expressed his potential in various categories, going so far as to win the French NSF champion title in 2024. Now a JuniorGP rider, the Occitan is not lacking in ambition.
During our discussions, he tells us about his career and his future challenges in his quest to join the motorcycle speed world championship.
Hello Remy Sanjuan, could you start by introducing yourself for those who don’t know your background?
"My name is Remy Sanjuan, I come from Montblanc, a city in the South, in Occitanie. I have been riding motorcycles since I was nine. You could say that it is quite late. I started with cross, and since I was twelve, I have done my first competitions. This year I am seventeen, and I became champion of France. I also made my debut in the European championship. I finished third French, scoring points, and qualifying for many races."
Can you already tell us more about your plans for the coming year?
"I was spotted by a professional Spanish team, I can't say which one yet (We will learn later that it is the team Larre Sport, in JuniorGP. Editor's note). The goal is to be in Moto3 in two or three years in the world championship."
Remy Sanjuan and Bartholomé Perrin in Cartagena
You ride with two well-known numbers in MotoGP, is that not a coincidence?
"No, 99 is my very first number, from when I was little. In reference to Jorge Lorenzo obviously. Then, in the French championship, and in the other championships, I took 26, Dani Pedrosa's number, but also my birthday. This year, it was taken so I went back to 99."
These two days of testing are ideal for your preparation...
“It’s good to ride in a competitive environment. There are only good riders here. The circuit is great, and it’s been a long time since I’ve ridden. The last race was almost a month ago. So we’re getting back to work slowly, it allows me to prepare during the winter.”
Remy Sanjuan and his machine bearing the number 99
What do you ride here?
"This morning I'm riding my old bike to warm up a bit. And in the afternoon, when I'm warm, I'll ride the Talent, the NSF."
Besides, you knew Johann Zarco well before this ride.
"Indeed, I was at the ZF Grand Prix school, I was his student, with Seb Moreno. He didn't come too often, but he was sometimes there. Then, at the federation collective, we saw each other several times, he was a bit of a coach. So yes, we know each other well, we like each other."
Remy Sanjuan in Cartagena
