Looking at the 2011 season as well as how you got into MotoGP:
1. Do you recall the moment you found out about your MotoGP ride and when it was announced (September 2010)? What were your emotions?
It was around the Brno round of last season when Herve (Poncheral – Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team Manager) called and wanted to get the ball rolling. I was desperate to do it but wanted to make sure everything was in place and ready to go. It was certainly a weird feeling. I’d been wanting it so much and then to find out about a seat for this season as well a guarantee for 2012 was definitely exciting.
I’d been in contact with Herve about Moto2 the year before and had a good relationship with Yamaha having won the Supersport World Championship with them and then moving into Superbikes with them in 2010.
2. How would you describe your 2011 season in just 3 words?
Exciting. Tough. Determination (ever increasing). In that order!
3. You were quoted at the beginning of the season as wanting to lean over to Valentino Rossi on the grid and get his autograph but is there a particular highlight, something that stands out and makes you think "I'm racing against the very best in the world here, this is real"?
Coming home to the Silverstone round and seeing so many people with their flags and the support makes you even more determined to succeed.
4. All of your competitors have raced at all of the circuits you've been too this season, meaning you've had to use valuable track time learning these new circuits, do you believe this has actually been more of a hurdle than many onlookers would think?
It’s definitely a big hurdle. Being the only one in MotoGP to face learning some of the circuits is tough enough but having to do it on a MotoGP bike makes it even tougher. Usually by the 2nd practice session on the Friday some of those guys are under the lap record and I’m still trying to control the bike and find braking points. By the time you’ve learnt the circuit it’s Sunday evening which is evident if you look at the Monday test sessions after Estoril and Brno where I went quicker on the Monday than I had all weekend.
5. Are there any particular techniques you use to learn a circuit - surely cycling around it or using a simulator wouldn't touch the realism of trying to control an M1 through the Cork Screw or the undulations of the Sachsenring or Mugello?
When I arrive at the circuit I’ll ride a scooter, push bike or run around the track, but 200mph is different. I know most of the circuits from watching them on TV but the bumps, elevation and track changes just can’t be seen. It’s a fast learning curve on a Friday morning.
6. There are still plenty of points on offer this season but is there a realistic aim of a podium finish before the 800cc era is over?
I still think there is…I know where I want to be but it’s also about gaining experience. At Laguna for example I expected better but we’re still trying to learn more about the bike, it’s handling and characteristics and how it fits to my style of riding but we’ve learned to take a step back in order to move forward with the bike. The Yamaha guys are great and we’re still developing our relationship which is important for a rider as they have to understand the way I want to ride.
7. What was it about Bennetts that attracted you into a personal sponsorship deal?
I’ve always been aware of Bennetts and the years of commitment to motorcycle racing with sponsorship of BSB, TV coverage of bike events, and personal sponsorships of Neil Hodgson and James Toseland and for me it’s great to work with a company who has shown so much commitment and passion over the years to the British guys.
Looking ahead to 2012:
8. How's the 2012 machine looking, when will you get to ride it?
I’m really looking forward to it but it won’t be until the end of year, maybe before but definitely after Valencia. Jorge and Ben looked good straight out of the box and the 1000cc bike should hopefully suit my riding style too.
9. Do you believe you will have an advantage with the litre bikes having been so competitive only 12 months ago on litre machine, specifically toward the end of the 2010 WSBK season (6 podiums in final 8 races competed in)?
If you look at the results for the 2nd half of last year in World Superbikes, I would have finished 2nd in the Championship once I’d got used to the machine and learned what I could do with it and hopefully that same learning curve will continue this year.
10. Towards the end of the summer you spoke about changing your braking technique to improve front end grip but how different do you think the 2012 bike will be in terms of its handling?
The 2012 bike should be more similar to riding a superbike, the braking will be a little bit earlier and softer. There hasn’t been so much overtaking under braking this season because everyone is braking at the same time. This isn’t so crucial on the 1000cc. You have to carry the speed through the corners this year, next year there’s more power so cornering techniques will change.
11. Have you or the team set any objectives for the 2012 season?
For now we’re concentrating on this season, we’ve still got a job to do but straight after Valencia we’ll be into testing for 2012.
12. And how about further ahead, have you and Yamaha spoken about 2013 yet?
It all depends on how we get on with Yamaha and the 1000cc bike next year. 2012 will be an important year for me and the development of MotoGP racing especially with the disappointing news that the tough economy meant Yamaha had to pull out of WSBK.
13. What do you do to relax away from the circuit/hobbies?
I seem to spend so much time on a plane but other than travelling, I like cycling, especially on the Isle of Man. I like doing all the things a regular guy would do, like watching TV!
I still have to concentrate on what we need to achieve this season and get on with making as much progress as we can. We know we’ve got the speed but we have to translate that into results.
14. Further down the line, how about after you retire from racing, do you want to remain in the sport?
I hope that retirement is a long way off yet although it’ll be nice to keep my hand in somehow, but definitely not in team management, I’d be too nervous seeing friends racing!
15. Other than the Moto2 and 125 guys, do you look out for anyone else’s results
Yes, I keep my eye out for Stuart Easton in BSB. He had a terrible accident earlier this year and I hope he recovers quickly.
It’s good that we’ve got some more Brits coming through the ranks with WSBK and Moto2 and there’s always potential for them to come up to MotoGP which will be great for the British fans.