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'm really happy, and beating Marc [Marquez] at the very last chicane gives me an extra boost.

Motivation is the key. More than training, more than experience or age, motivation counts. You have to ask yourself: 'Why am I racing?' I race because I like it, because I'm really enjoying it. I like to set up my bike and ride it on track. After 20 years in the GPs I'm still highly motivated. Everything else is a consequence.

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

I'm Valentino Rossi. And I want to be a person, not an icon.

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 race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.