At the beginning of the 2011 WSBK season JT talked exclusively to ourselves and fans about everything from his band, Crash to the new season in World Superbikes. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the two-time Superbike World Champion…
Exclusive Q&As
What would your day to day training regime be, especially getting closer to the start of season?
I try to vary my techniques and range of exercises to keep my mind fresh and ensure that I am working different areas of my body. I have some benchmarks that I work to in pre-season, so I know that I am physically ready for the first race. For example, if I can run 10 miles in an hour or cycle 60km in an hour then I know that physically I am in good shape and ready ck to full fitness. I try and train in some way every day.
How does it feel to have the continued support and sponsorship from Bennetts?
It’s a great feeling. My relationship with Bennetts has been a long and enjoyable one; they have supported me through the highs and lows of my career and I am truly grateful. For Bennetts to stick with me for another year, given my injury plagued season last year, means a lot to me and I want to repay their faith and loyalty on track this year. I am 100% focused and committed to putting the demons of 2010 behind me. I’m going all out for wins in 2011. However, I have to remember that we are an unknown quantity this season with a new team and a new bike, so hopefully we can show everyone what I know is possible.
Who do you most admire in the biking world today?
Right now, I think the rider I most admire is Casey Stoner. He is the only person to date who has mastered the Ducati, which at times last year looked like an untamed animal. Also the form he has shown since moving to Honda underlines his ability. He really is a class act. There was never any doubt in the speed of the Ducati in a straight line but I don’t think it was the easiest bike on the grid to ride. Now he is with Honda I think we will all see his true potential. He is my one to watch for 2011.
With the disappointment of MotoGP behind you and re-establishing yourself back in WSBK, what are your hopes for the coming season?
I just want a good consistent year that is free of injury. Last year, I injured myself in the first round at Phillip Island, then when I eventually got back to full fitness I was able to string some good results together until I got injured again in Monza. I never really recovered from that until the winter break. My hand was in a really bad way and I wasn’t able to do what I wanted on the bike, which led to more mistakes and more crashes. I firmly believe however that this year I can show my true colours now that I’m fully physically and mentally prepared.
Is there any reason why you don't you have a road licence?
I try to vary my techniques and range of exercises to keep my mind fresh and ensure that I am working different areas of my body. I have some benchmarks that I work to in pre-season, so I know that I am physically ready for the first race. For example, if I can run 10 miles in an hour or cycle 60km in an hour then I know that physically I am in good shape and ready ck to full fitness. I try and train in some way every day.
What's the main difference between the BMW S1000RR and the Yamaha R1?
The engine characteristics are slightly different, but ultimately with race prepared machines of this standard they are all very similar. The BMW feels lighter when turning into corners and is very nimble, but apart from that they are both designed and built to do the same job.
How much interaction or data sharing goes on between team mates?
The policy on sharing data varies from one team to another but, for sure, this year my team mate Aryton Badovini and I will be sharing data. It is a new project for us both and the team, so we will be working together to progress the job as much as possible. We will also have access to information collated by the factory team. BMW want their bikes to develop and, ultimately, to win races regardless of the team or the rider. I think this way of working will benefit everyone.
How would you describe your style of riding?
I would class my style of riding as aggressive, but fair, and by no means dangerous. When I first went to MotoGP there was a lot of talk that my riding style was erratic and somewhat dangerous, but I have never set out to be that way. In this game you don’t get anywhere without taking risks and forcing passes. It is part and parcel of the sport and something I wouldn’t change.
Is the ambition to still 'make it' in MotoGP?
I would love to go back and have another go at MotoGP. There is a slight sense of unfinished business there as my second year was affected by some huge pre-season crashes, which put me off my stride from the previous year. I never really got back to the level I knew I was capable of, and by that time I had already lost my job. When you are at the pinnacle of any sport it is cut throat and you cannot afford to have a bad day at the office. Sadly, things didn’t turn out as planned. I am happy to be back in WSB fighting for race wins, but I could never say never on a return to MotoGP if that option was opened up again. My priority right now is to get back to winning ways and the focus is on World Superbikes.
Do you plan on staying in the industry when you retire from racing?
I don’t know anything else but racing. I turned professional when I was 16 and this is what I have always done to make a living. Obviously in this game you retire a lot earlier than you would in a usual job, so I would like to think that I would remain in the sport for sure. I feel I have a lot to give, much like my manager Roger Burnett when he first met me. I would love to work with some up-and-coming British racers to help them with lessons that I have learnt and guide them through the sport. I have a lot of friends and contacts in the industry and it would be a shame to walk away once I stopped racing. We’ll see; you never know what the future holds.
Will you ever race in the TT? Surely you have a home advantage!
I have never had the urge to race at the TT. I envy the guys who compete on the Island, but I would never do it. It takes a special type of character and rider to be able to master the roads and, honestly, I don’t think that is me.
Do Crash! write their own material and if so when will we see an album?!
I have started writing some music as a bit of a side project and hopefully I will write a few more songs in the future. As for Crash! we mainly do covers. Hopefully once I have written some more material I can get into the studio and record some music as a solo artist and see where that takes me. At the moment it’s just something I enjoy doing away from the racetrack but racing is my priority.
How many autographs do you think you've been asked for throughout your racing career?!
I have no idea! Let’s just say if had a pound for every autograph I’ve signed in my lifetime I wouldn’t be short of a few quid. I think I signed my very first signature as a professional racer at Mallory Park when I was 16. I’ve been signing them ever since and for those who know how old I am they’ll know that’s a long time!