Aaron Waldron: Congratulations on signing with Team Losi Racing! Did you approach them after your contract ended with HB-HPI Racing, or did they approach you?
Renaud Savoya: Thank you! Like everyone understood, I was really shocked and lost after the termination letter I received upon waking up on Jan. 14th. Actually, today I still didn’t receive a proper answer and reasons. After that, I contacted TLR - as it was my first choice. I already worked with other companies and also wanted a new challenge. Looking at the team, the results, the cars and people, it was obvious that my future would lie there.
AW: How long after you became a free agent did you begin discussing a deal with TLR?
RS: A few days later, when I really realized that what was happening was real...
AW: Have you built your new cars yet?
RS: No, they should be in a box somewhere between the warehouse and me. Building will start tomorrow. I can’t wait!
AW: What do you find most exciting about the opportunity to race for TLR?
RS: TLR is just one of the few in the market that can bring the best products to either the local guys or the pro racers like me. The product range is so wide, it’s impressive. This is just the products, but also the team, the drivers, and the community is huge! I received so many emails and messages from people all around the world, I couldn’t feel better [about the decision]. I’ve never had such a warm welcome, and I can’t wait to hit the track and do my best to drive, win and help every TLR customer.
AW: What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
RS: 2016 was supposed to be a big challenge for me, with a baby expected for July and the Worlds in October. But changing car and engine just 10 months before Las Vegas is for sure the biggest challenge. It is a bit scary but also very motivating! As a real competitor, I’m sure this challenge will push me to the limit! I can’t forget Ryan Maifiled joining the team in June and being #1 on the grip at IFMAR Worlds in 2014! It will require even more work, but I’m more than ready! With RC Concept, TLR and JConcepts, we all share the same passion for work and results, so everything should fit like a glove!
AW: Team Losi Racing has enjoyed incredible success in the U.S., but is less established in Europe. Do you think that will change?
RS: TLR already had some nice finishes at the Euros, not to mention in 2012 with the title, and in 2015 with a podium. I feel now the team in Europe is stronger than ever with the Italian young guns, and the platforms are more adapted. For sure the results will get better and better, and I hope I can add some big ones! ;-)
AW: Your whole program - cars, engines/electronics, and tires - has changed since last April. Is it difficult to get used to new equipment?
RS: I honestly think that the more you get old, the more you reflect, and the harder you have to work in order to get your package the way you want. It’s a comfort I was getting since August with my previous package. However, I think the package as a whole TLR/RC Concept/JConcepts is fitting better together than what I previously ran and I’m sure it will spark!
AW: Will any of your other sponsors change? Will you use Spektrum?
RS: Nothing else will change. As I already signed a long term contract and distributor strategy with Highest RC servos, I will stick with them. However, I will use the Spektrum radio to equip my cars.
AW: Did you talk to any other brands about racing for them in 2016 before making your decision?
RS: As I was clearly unemployed with a baby on the way, I had to study every possibility. It went from turning back to the job I was doing before being a pro (thermal engineer), to racing as a privateer. I talked with other brands, but my first objective was TLR.
AW: Have your goals for the 2016 season changed?
RS: Of course not! I will always do my best to make everybody proud, and of course have fun on the racetracks. I am even more motivated now to prove you can still count on the shark to bite!
AW: Thank you for the interview! Is there anything else you would like to add?
RS: Thank you! Keep up the good work and reactivity LiveRC!
I would like to thank everybody at TLR/Horizon Hobby who made it possible, and I’m really looking forward to work and race with you guys! It means a lot to me.
I would like to thank everyone at RC Concepts, Sebastien, Jerome and Guillaume and my friends and familly who supported me in what was probably the worse week of my RC career.
See you soon!
And always: FailureIsNotAnOption!
Eng / Usd
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Recent comments