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 have designs I like applied to my helmet, motorcycle, riding suits, gloves,and boots. I have a designer friend of mine put the designs on them for me. I think a livery on the helmet is significant in expressing a rider's personality.

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

In 2009, I didn't like that Yamaha signed such a young and competitive teammate [Jorge Lorenzo]. But now everything is different. We are more mature. Everyone knows his role and position. Things are clear.

How do Ferrari know what I'm doing next year when I don't know what I'm doing next week?

Maybe if Graziano make another work or another sport I wouldn't have had this passion to be a rider.

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.