Interview: Frederic Vialle – “Tom has always remained very simple and grounded”

Frederic Vialle, former Grand Prix winner and father of two-time AMA Supercross champion Tom Vialle, shared insights into his son’s recent injury and career decisions during an interview at the German Grand Prix. Tom sustained a fractured rib in a crash at the French GP, forcing him to miss the German round as he recovered. Despite the setback, Frederic emphasised the importance of patience, noting that the championship season remains long and the focus is on gaining experience and preparing for the future. Vialle offered a candid assessment of the incident management at the French GP, expressing concern over the handling of crashes involving top riders. He suggested that race officials might have erred by not deploying red flags promptly, which could have prevented further accidents. Frederic highlighted a lack of consistency and transparency from the FIM, indicating that the regulatory body needs to improve communication and decision-making processes during races to enhance rider safety. Reflecting on Tom’s time competing in the United States, Frederic pointed out the valuable experience gained from racing in a markedly different environment. The American motocross scene demands greater independence from riders and fosters a more aggressive racing style, partly due to the nature of the tracks. This exposure helped Tom develop skills and maturity that might not have been as readily acquired had he stayed exclusively in Europe, where the support structures and racing culture differ significantly. Regarding Tom’s recent move back to Europe with Honda HRC, Frederic explained that contract security and career stability were key factors in the decision. Despite offers to continue racing in America’s 450 class, the Vialle family preferred a multi-year deal with Honda, which promised a strong project and a competitive bike. Frederic also touched on the broader state of motocross, noting that while MXGP is highly professional and well-promoted in Europe, there remains room for improvement, particularly in fostering better dialogue between promoters, the FIM, and riders to address ongoing organisational challenges. Finally, Frederic discussed the contrasting appeal of the MXGP World Championship and the American series, suggesting that media exposure plays a significant role in shaping riders’ ambitions. While many young talents aspire to race in the US, he believes the World Championship offers comparable opportunities and could attract more attention with enhanced media coverage. His reflections underscore the evolving dynamics of global motocross and the need for continued development within the sport’s governance and promotion.