Jtech Honda’s Henry Jacobi is set for the MX2 World Championship, and it sounds like he wants to be the next Ken Roczen.
When Germany’s Henry Jacobi snatched the FIM 85cc Junior World Championship at the age of 13, many felt that he had the makings of a world-class moto talent.
In 2016, Jacobi will enter his first full season in the FIM MX2 World Championship with the Honda Jtech squad, and he is hoping to make an impact.
Jacobi, 19, hails from the same region as former World Champion and current AMA motocross and supercross star Ken Roczen, and he equalled Roczen’s early success before winning the 85cc world title.
“That was in 2010 and actually it came as a surprise,” Jacobi said. “I didn’t race the European championship that year. Everyone was talking about how fast those guys were. But when I saw how it went in practice I knew I was in for a shot!”
However, the 2011 season disastrous for Jacobi, who crashed and broke both of his feet. He ended up missing most of the season.
Jacobi re-established himself in the EMX125 and EMX250 European championships before stepping up to the FIM MX2 World Championship in 2015.
“Many people believed I didn’t have the speed (yet) for GPs but I proved them wrong,” Jacobi said. “At times I was able to show what I’m capable of. In my first MX2 Grand Prix in Trentino [Italy], I crashed at the start together with Petrov. Still I managed to come back from way back to finish 14th. In Germany I made it into the top 10 twice, and in France I was lying eighth in both motos when I suffered a technical DNF.”
For 2016, Jacobi has had to get used to a different bike brand, as he has joined the Jtech Honda team.
“It seemed like this huge step at first because I have been with another brand since I was four,” Jacobi said. “Actually I got used to the Honda CRF250R quite quickly. The amazing thing is how well and precise the bike handles. Especially the feeling at the front is incredible. This allows me to place the motorcycle wherever I want, the bike now does what I want. Before this was not always the case. It’s really sweet and gives a lot of confidence!”
With Jacobi and teammate Damon Graulus locked into long-term deals at Jtech Honda, Jacobi feels he can continue to develop into a World Championship contender.
“The belief in myself has always been one of my strong points,” Jacobi said. “I feel 2016 could be a really crucial year. Last season I wanted to get a top-10 at least once. The next step is to get a top-five at least once. That’s easier said than done because the difference in speed between me and those regular top-fives is still there, but I want to improve gradually. I know it can be done, and I’m never intimidated by anyone. I don’t care who it is I’m racing against. In 2014 I rode for team Germany in the MXoN. On the starting line I was standing between Eli Tomac and Tanel Leok on my 250 bike, still I smoked them in the start.”
Jacobi said that perhaps GPs suit him better than the European championship.
“If you don’t start in the top five it’s super hard to come back in EMX2,” Jacobi said. “I know where I need to improve. My consistency hasn’t always been the best, so that’s an important area. Look at Ryan Dungey; he’s not always the fastest but he’s always there.”
He may sound serious and a bit boastful, Jacobi claims that he is actually laid back when he is at the track. It’s the same carefree attitude that gained his youth friend Ken Roczen a huge following. Jacobi also said that he and the former world champ have remained friends throughout the years.
“Five minutes before the start I could be making jokes and have a laugh,” Jacobi said. “During a race weekend I don’t feel any kind of stress or pressure.
“Ken is cool,” Jacobi added. “He doesn’t think of himself as a big star or anything like that. We keep in touch although he’s obviously very busy. It’s nice that he didn’t forget where he came from!”
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