The Red Bull selection event, two years on
Josh was one of around 120 riders worldwide invited to the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event. He looks back on it, two years on.
The invitation
What was your reaction when you found out you'd been invited to the Red Bull selection event?
I need to tell my mom as soon as possible.
Did you shout?
I shouted in the car.
And then?
I went straight to my mom at the house.
Did you understand at the time how significant it was to be invited?
Yes, I did. It was a very good step in my career.
At the circuit
What do you remember about arriving at the circuit for the first time?
Nothing but pure excitement.
What went through your head, seeing all those young riders from different countries?
That I would be the best among them all.
Did it feel competitive straight away?
Indeed. Everyone was staring at everyone.
What was going through your head before your first session?
Just relax, be one with the bike, and you've got this.
What was the bike like compared with what you'd been riding at the time?
It was very different. It was a lot longer, and the gearing wasn't the best for the track. Besides that, it was a good feeling.
On the track
Did anything about the selection process surprise you?
No, it was all really professional. No surprises.
What were you trying to show the selectors on the track?
That I'm capable of being exactly where all these other top riders are.
Do you remember when the names of the selected riders were called out? How did you feel?
I do. I was probably the most nervous at that point. That's when the nerves kicked in.
What did you learn about yourself as a rider during those days?
That I'm capable.
Two years on
Looking back two years later, were you ready for that opportunity?
No. No. No.
How are you different as a rider now, from the rider who arrived at that event?
Smarter, more realistic, and wanting to improve.
Do you feel more confident now as a rider?
I do.
If you could speak to the Josh standing in that pit lane in 2024, what would you tell him?
You're amazing. You've got this.
Whatever the outcome, what did being invited to the event give you?
Confidence.
When you look at that photograph of yourself now, what do you think?
I've come a long way.