The New South Welshman is faster, leaner, and ready to chase a first Moto2 victory in 2024
Agius had some stellar results in his rookie Moto2 campaign (home podium at Phillip Island anyone?). But it lacked consistency, which culminated in him losing out on the Rookie of the Year gong at the final race. Not to worry. The 19-year-old returned to Australia over the summer to reset and has come back leaner and faster.
Kalex’s 2025 chassis handles like a dream and new teammate Manuel Gonzalez has spurred the ultra-competitive Senna on to new heights – as witnessed in his brilliant fightback to third in Thailand and securing of vital points in Argentina.
How were your preparations for this season?
As a rider I’m feeling more complete this year. I had a lot of time at home to improve on and off the bike. The crew are the same, which means I’ve been comfortable straight away and there’s no adaptation phase. I tried to lose a bit of weight this year through a different training method to be more efficient with my dimensions. The old combined weight is looking more friendly this year. It’s not going astray with these stop-start tracks. A couple of things have changed in my personal life, which is a bit different. I’m feeling refreshed.
Has it been beneficial having Manuel Gonzalez on the other side of the box?
It’s really good because what he’s doing, I’m not far behind. It’s not like I need long to study his riding style or how he’s going fast. We actually ride really similarly. But there are some key things he’s unlocked with this year’s bike. He was so fast from the first minute he jumped on it even though he had to come onto our suspension (moving from Ohlins to WP). I’m learning from that and will continue to do so until we’re one and two.
Former Moto2 race winner Thomas Luthi has joined the team as a rider coach for this year. Has that been a help?
That’s unreal. Tom’s doing a fantastic job. He was in the team’s family for many years. The team trust him 100 per cent and he’s really helpful for me. I have no filter with him. I’m not afraid to be open and he’s the same. He can be stern and we find a direction. It’s an open relationship and it’s been key to our performance. He’s a simple guy. The whole vibe of the team is quite simple – no one is too complex or too emotional. This is the best way to go racing.
How have you found the new Kalex chassis and narrower front rim Pirelli introduced this year?
The feeling with the new chassis is better, and with the front wheel. If it’s better, then everyone on the Kalex is the same – so it’s nothing we have personally. But if I had to highlight a weak point from last year, which this year’s chassis and front wheel set-up is allowing me to do, I feel like I’ve made a couple of steps closer to the front guys. the level is only getting higher and I’m happy with my new base.
(The rim) has brought a normal feeling back. The old rim was too wide. It didn’t make sense why it was that wide when compared to other classes. The front feels more generic on the brakes. Last year it was tricky where you had to put the maximum brake pressure compared to the centre of gravity to stop. With the Pirelli being so soft it was easy to overload it. Now it’s normal.
What goals have you set yourself for this year?
I just want to be on the podium as many times as possible. I don’t know how many times that’ll be, but that’s the target. I’d love a first victory this year. I’m working as hard as I can for it. But what I most want to improve is when I’m not 100 per cent satisfied with everything, to maintain that baseline performance at a higher level, and not losing it too much. In this class if you can make the most of a bad situation, last year it won Ai Ogura the championship. Capitalise on my good days and be a better rider on my bad ones.
