Luck is one thing. It has always been there, it has always been a part of my success. It's a part of everyone's success. Without it, you can't be successful. But luck is something you have to stimulate, something you have to nurture through the choices you make...That's why things have always worked out for me. Things work out not just because I'm lucky, but because I plan ahead. I figure out what I want and I go for it. I've always spent a lot of time trying to surround myself with the right people, the kinds of teammates who could lead me to my goals.

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.

Friendship is very important to me. With some friends, we've known each other since we were kids and it's a very strong relationship. They always tell me what they think even when I am wrong. It's great to share with them the best moments. I also have many friends in the team, and I like to share my passion with them.

Our sport is dangerous. We risk the life out there, so we need to stay calm and focused and leave all the rest out.

I feel 100% a Yamaha rider in my heart. I had a long career and raced with several factory bikes, but the highlight of my career is undoubtedly with Yamaha.

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

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