Interview: Roger Harvey – “I don’t think you’ll see many riders like Herlings again”

Roger Harvey remains a pivotal figure within Honda’s motocross programme, continuing his involvement despite contemplating retirement for some time. With decades of experience as both a rider and team manager, Harvey now serves in an advisory capacity, providing crucial insights and maintaining key contacts for Honda’s operations. His role involves supporting the current general manager, Marcus Pereira de Freitas, while staying deeply engaged with the evolving landscape of MXGP, particularly as Honda embarks on a new era with a strong rider lineup. A significant highlight of this new chapter is the landmark signing of Jeffrey Herlings, who joins Honda after a 16-year association with KTM. Harvey reveals that the move was long anticipated, with Herlings expressing a desire to race for Honda before the end of his career. The negotiation process, led by Harvey and Pereira de Freitas, culminated in a deal that Harvey describes as a calculated risk but one filled with excitement and potential. He acknowledges that Herlings’ arrival has reinvigorated his commitment to the sport, extending his tenure with Honda beyond what he had initially planned. In addition to Herlings, Honda’s MXGP roster includes Tom Vialle and Ruben Fernandez, creating a formidable three-rider factory team. Harvey explains that assembling and maintaining such a lineup requires significant financial and logistical resources, given the prototype nature of the bikes and the demands of the championship. Vialle’s return from racing in America is seen as a strategic move, allowing him to adapt to the more intense European racing format and the powerful 450cc machinery. Harvey emphasises the collaborative decision-making process within Honda, highlighting the importance of balancing rider development with the company’s broader goals. Harvey’s reflections underscore the challenges and rewards of managing a top-tier motocross team in the current era. He speaks candidly about the pressures of constant travel and the evolving nature of the sport but remains motivated by the thrill of race day and the potential of his riders. The article captures Harvey’s enduring passion and his belief that the current generation of Honda riders, particularly Herlings, represent a unique calibre of talent unlikely to be seen again soon. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the future direction of Honda’s motocross ambitions and the wider MXGP scene.