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

I would have probably stolen cars - it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing.

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.

To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.

In 2002 the Yamaha was at more or less the same level as the Honda, better in some ways, worse in others. But in the winter of last year between 2002 and 2003, Honda made a big step forward and it seemed as if Yamaha couldn't quite match that improvement.

I'm very happy because I won a lot. I've won races and lived in a world that just gave me joy, so I remember it very positively.

Barcelona is a special track. I have always loved the layout of the circuit, but also the atmosphere and the fans are special. It has always been good fun.