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

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.

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.

The tragic incident of Luis Salom reminds us that our sport, our passion, is dangerous. We know it but, in a way, we don't think about it.

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 am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very constructively critical.

If I test the car for a year I can be quite competitive the next season.