Riding a race bike is an art - a thing that you do because you feel something inside.
The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true.
I try to have a different relationship with the bike. I don't give it a name, but I always speak with it. I don't know if the other riders do the same. This is not only a piece of metal - there is a soul. The bike talks back too. But not with a voice, with the components
I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.
The work that we do during the winter is very important; we have a new bike and it's important to develop it during this time.
I feel 100% a Yamaha rider in my heart. I had a long career and raced with several factory bikes, but the highlight of my career is undoubtedly with Yamaha.
Motivation is the key. More than training, more than experience or age, motivation counts. You have to ask yourself: 'Why am I racing?' I race because I like it, because I'm really enjoying it. I like to set up my bike and ride it on track. After 20 years in the GPs I'm still highly motivated. Everything else is a consequence.
To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.
Also, when I started racing he knew a lot of people and it was more easy for me to find the first bike, so I have a good chance for sure.
I was lucky. My father raced bikes. He gave me the passion very early. I had my first bike when I was three or four years old.
I have always challenged myself and it's also important to learn from the rivals. Every rider has his own style, and you have to count on some elements that cannot be changed. On the contrary, the bike or the tires can change and it's important to adapt yourself. It's up to the rider to understand what he can change and how much he can adapt.
Maybe the bike is more dangerous, but the passion for the car for me is second to the bike.
I am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very constructively critical.
In my opinion we are at the limit now, and 17 races is really too much. With all the testing that we do now, it means we're always on the bike and it's quite difficult.
We have the 2004 M1 here for reference, which is useful. It worked well here last year; we won the race and always did fast lap times so it will be interesting to compare it to the new bike and it will help us to understand which parts have improved.
I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the races. I still have good reasons to be in racing after so many years.
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