The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

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

It's a big, big advantage because understanding what changes we might make takes time and it takes time to work out settings and to understand everything about the new machine.

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

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

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.

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