It is dangerous and unbelievably fast and entirely different from the kind of track I am used to racing on

Once the races begin it's more difficult and there is never that much time for testing.

I am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It's a great feeling to be back fighting for the title.

Nowadays, we have to deal with so many more factors that weren't there in the past. It's not enough to be a good rider, if you want to finish at the front. The riders have become incredible athletes. In the past, you could manage the race and fight only on the last laps. Now you need to train hard. You cannot allow yourself to go on track without being at 100 percent.

I never race for records. The motivation to try to beat the record is not enough to continue. You have to enjoy it.

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.

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.