Live Streaming from FIM Gala!

Courtesy of FIM NEWS

Sunday 01 December, follow the symposium, the press conference, the red carpet and the 2013 FIM Gala Ceremony.

Live streaming, live tweets and live pictures at your fingertips!

 

A Post-season Catch-up: Aleix Espargaro

Courtesy of MotoGP

Fresh from testing ahead of the winter break, Aleix Espargaro shares his first impressions of NGM Mobile Forward Racing, aspirations for 2014 and of future duels with brother Pol and Aspar replacement Nicky Hayden.

Since the curtain fell on MotoGP™ 2013, Espargaro has had opportunities to familiarise himself with the new FTR-Yamaha package courtesy of test sessions in both Valencia and Jerez – the latest having taken place this week – as he prepares to race ‘Open’ machinery for the first time.

Aleix, which conclusions have you drawn from this new bike?

Well, the bike is new and a few teething problems have prevented us from completing as many laps as we would have liked – plus the circuit in Jerez was very cold to be able to draw any real conclusions from it – but we’ve been able to test the bike well.

It works great, the level is very high and close to the factory bikes. We have also witnessed some handicaps; for sure, one of the difficulties will be electronics as we are continuing to learn about the spec ECU, but the start has been quite hopeful.

In terms of riding, how do you find the bike? It’s very different to a CRT…

Yes, especially the engine and chassis which really ‘go’ a lot more than the Aprilia did – but of course, it is going to be different because it has a lot more power. It is clear that the potential of the bike is much better than what we had with the CRTs and we will be able to go much further with it.

Now you find yourself sharing a garage with real experience in the form of Colin Edwards…

It is my pleasure to have Colin there with me, not least for this brand-new project which will always require many changes when it comes to the bike. Colin has a lot of experience and I believe he’ll be able to give some different points of view to mine. He is a very sensitive and delicate rider when it comes to changes with the bike. He has worked with FTR, Magneti Marelli and Yamaha over the years, so he is the perfect rider and I think that together we can make a very good combination.

Despite usually being the highest-placed CRT rider in 2013, you regularly complained that the gap to those in front was too large. How do you envisage the first year of the ‘Open’ category and can deficits be significantly cut?

For sure, there will be opportunities to close that gap and in the first two tests we have gone quicker than the Aprilia. Basically, this bike has much more potential. Yes, we have to work on it, but the goal is to be much closer to the front in races than I was able to be with the CRT.

In 2014, you will come across different rivals and for different reasons. One of them will be brother Pol (Monster Yamaha Tech3) – now a direct adversary!…

Indeed! Clearly, he is not just my brother. He is also the Moto2™ World Champion and I will be trying to beat him just as I try to beat anybody else. Yes, it is true that he will be special and it won’t always be easy, but of course I will be trying to beat him!

Another clear opponent will be Nicky Hayden, who has taken the place you vacated at Power Electronics Aspar. Let us imagine that he and the new customer Honda RCV1000R are ahead of you next year – that could become rather frustrating…

No, no…I think at the first test in Valencia we saw the potential that the FTR-Yamaha has. I hope I am not mistaken, but the conclusion was that we were able to take our bike to an equal level with, and indeed exceed, that of the Honda. The Honda is basically a finished product, whereas we still have everything to do with ours, but our bike still went quicker than the Honda despite having done less laps; with this in mind, I think we have more potential. Many people have told me I am making a mistake in switching teams at this point and that the Honda will be better. Time will tell, but what I can say is that both the team and the bike are better than we expected.

HRH Prince William meets Shane Byrne at Motorcycle Live

Courtesy of BSB British Superbike

Self confessed motorcycle fan His Royal Highness Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, was an enthusiastic visitor to Motorcycle Live at the NEC Birmingham today (Saturday).

HRH chatted to three time MCE BSB champion and highest all time race winner Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne as he visited the Show before looking at the latest models on display.

Byrne said: “It was an honour and a pleasure to meet a member of the Royal Family and it was really special for me, especially as he wanted to talk to me about motorcycling and racing. It has been a special day as I am just a normal guy so to meet HRH was fantastic and it is awesome that a member of our Royal Family is so genuinely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about motorcycling.”

 

TSINGTAO KAWASAKI CONFIRM KIRKHAM FOR 2014 MCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CAMPAIGN

Courtesy of BSB British Superbike

The Tsingtao Kawasaki team have strengthened their attack on the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship after signing Jon Kirkham for their 2014 campaign having made their MCE BSB debut during the 2013 season.

Two-time race winner Kirkham has narrowly missed out on a place in the Showdown on two occasions, winning the Riders’ Cup in 2011 and 2013, but is now aiming high for next season and targeting a top six position with the team as they enter their first full year in the Superbike class. Tsingtao Kawasaki made their debut at Cadwell Park and narrowly missed out on a maiden top ten finish at the final round at Brands Hatch with Howie Mainwaring.

Kirkham said: “It is exciting to be part of a relatively new team and to ride a Kawasaki as it has been proven at both World and British level that it is a really strong package; our job now is to make the team an established contender. I know that we can do it and if we can click straight away with the new bike and get a good start to the season then hopefully I can finally be in the top six for the Showdown! I have missed out twice and last season it was on the race count back as it was equal so hopefully 2014 is the year we can crack it!”

Team owner Dave Tyson concluded: “Last season we made our debut in the Superbike class and now for 2014 we want to build on that and hit the ground running when the season starts at Brands Hatch. We believe that with the combination of what we have already learnt as a team, plus Jon’s ability we have the chance now to move forward next year and we will be pushing hard to try and secure a place for the first time in the Showdown.”

 

Results: Junior 14-15 Race – Amsoil Championship Snocross Duluth

Courtesy of ISOC Racing

Round – 1		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	2	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	3	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	4	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	5	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	6	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN
	7	Riley Frattalone	Frattalone Racing	308	Arctic Cat	Stillwater, MN
	8	Robbie Currie	team currie	199	Polaris	Sault Ste Marie,
	9	Devin Malcein	Malcein Motorsports	720	Polaris	Augusta, WI
	10	JJ Vollenweider	Coho Motel / Simonar Sports Racing	220	Ski-Doo	Kewaunee, WI
	Heat – 2
	1	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	2	Jared Mensing	Octane Racing	451	Polaris	Blue Earth, MN
	3	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	4	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	5	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	6	Jordan Wolfe	Wolfe Racing	857	Polaris	Montreal, WI
	7	Dylan Barnett		820	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	8	Dillin Prusheik	Prusheik Racing	499	Polaris	Mukwonago, WI
	9	Cale Callan		433	Ski-Doo	Minesing, Ontario
	DNS	Corey Napper		684	Polaris	Silver Bay, MN
	Heat – 3
	1	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	2	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	3	Marco Travaglini		145	Arctic Cat	Norfolk, CT
	4	Tyler Hayft		271	Arctic Cat	Nowthen, MN
	5	Zack Robinson	Cottew Motorsports	222	Polaris	St. Francis, MN
	6	Matthew Wilbert	MBM Racing	123	Ski-Doo	Hubertus, WI
	7	Dillon Gagliano	Team G Motorsports	401	Polaris	Phelps, WI
	8	Raphael Lemieux		44	Ski-Doo	Mascouche, Quebec
	DNS	Dylan Hess	Frattalone Racing/Hess Racing	276	Arctic Cat	Savage, MN
	Round – 2		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	2	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	3	Dillin Prusheik	Prusheik Racing	499	Polaris	Mukwonago, WI
	4	Jordan Wolfe	Wolfe Racing	857	Polaris	Montreal, WI
	5	Marco Travaglini		145	Arctic Cat	Norfolk, CT
	6	Robbie Currie	team currie	199	Polaris	Sault Ste Marie,
	7	Devin Malcein	Malcein Motorsports	720	Polaris	Augusta, WI
	8	JJ Vollenweider	Coho Motel / Simonar Sports Racing	220	Ski-Doo	Kewaunee, WI
	9	Tyler Hayft		271	Arctic Cat	Nowthen, MN
	DNS	Dylan Hess	Frattalone Racing/Hess Racing	276	Arctic Cat	Savage, MN
	Heat – 2
	1	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	2	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN
	3	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	4	Riley Frattalone	Frattalone Racing	308	Arctic Cat	Stillwater, MN
	5	Matthew Wilbert	MBM Racing	123	Ski-Doo	Hubertus, WI
	6	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	7	Raphael Lemieux		44	Ski-Doo	Mascouche, Quebec
	8	Cale Callan		433	Ski-Doo	Minesing, Ontario
	9	Zack Robinson	Cottew Motorsports	222	Polaris	St. Francis, MN
	DNS	Dillon Gagliano	Team G Motorsports	401	Polaris	Phelps, WI
	Heat – 3
	1	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	2	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	3	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	4	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	5	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	6	Jared Mensing	Octane Racing	451	Polaris	Blue Earth, MN
	7	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	8	Dylan Barnett		820	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	DNS	Corey Napper		684	Polaris	Silver Bay, MN
	Round – LCQ		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	2	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	3	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	4	Matthew Wilbert	MBM Racing	123	Ski-Doo	Hubertus, WI
	5	Robbie Currie	team currie	199	Polaris	Sault Ste Marie,
	6	Dillin Prusheik	Prusheik Racing	499	Polaris	Mukwonago, WI
	7	Riley Frattalone	Frattalone Racing	308	Arctic Cat	Stillwater, MN
	8	Jordan Wolfe	Wolfe Racing	857	Polaris	Montreal, WI
	9	Tyler Hayft		271	Arctic Cat	Nowthen, MN
	10	Jared Mensing	Octane Racing	451	Polaris	Blue Earth, MN
	Round – Final		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	1	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	2	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	3	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	4	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	5	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	6	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	7	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	8	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	9	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	10	Matthew Wilbert	MBM Racing	123	Ski-Doo	Hubertus, WI
	11	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	12	Marco Travaglini		145	Arctic Cat	Norfolk, CT
	13	Robbie Currie	team currie	199	Polaris	Sault Ste Marie,
	14	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN
	15	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN

Famous faces set for Sic Supermoto Day

Courtesy of MotoGP

Familiar world motorcycling names including MotoGP™ stars Andrea Dovizioso, Claudio Corti and Danilo Petrucci will contribute to the line-up for this weekend’s Sic Supermoto Day of 2013, staged at the Latina circuit in Italy.

In memory of Marco Simoncelli, who lost his life in a 2011 accident, the latest Sic Supermoto Day is to be staged across Saturday and Sunday of this weekend.

As well as the aforementioned riders, also in attendance will be Max Biaggi and Eugene Laverty, 2013 runner-up in the Eni FIM Superbike World Championship and brother of MotoGP™ rider Michael. On top of this, Ducati Test Team’s Michele Pirro will be competing plus fellow World Championship riders Simone Corsi, Romano Fenati and Mattia Pasini plus the USA’s Ben Bostrom and Australia’s Troy Corser.

It is also possible that multiple World Champion Valentino Rossi, a former rival of Biaggi’s, could be present fresh from finishing second in last weekend’s Monza Rally Show.

Results: Junior 16-17 Race – Amsoil Championship Snocross Duluth

Courtesy of ISOC Racing

Round – 1		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	2	Colin Kernz	Kernz Racing	810	Arctic Cat	Manitowoc, WI
	3	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	4	Zachary Howcroft	Team Peel Racing	810	Polaris	Caledon, Ontario
	5	Alex Cecco	Cyclone Racing	133	Ski-Doo	Caledon, Ontario
	6	Andrew Knoll	DSTI Racing	800	Polaris	Dayton, MN
	7	Colton Barnett		819	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	8	Dylan Barnett		820	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	Heat – 2
	1	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	2	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	3	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	4	Raphael Lemieux		44	Ski-Doo	Mascouche, Quebec
	5	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	6	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	7	Tanner Olson	Olson Racing	114	Arctic Cat	Ada, MN
	8	Austin Stamm	Stamm Racing Team	118	Ski-Doo	McConnell, IL
	Heat – 3
	1	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	2	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN
	3	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	4	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	5	Marco Travaglini		145	Arctic Cat	Norfolk, CT
	6	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	7	Jared Mensing	Octane Racing	451	Polaris	Blue Earth, MN
	Round – 2		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	2	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	3	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	4	Dylan Barnett		820	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	5	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	6	Colin Kernz	Kernz Racing	810	Arctic Cat	Manitowoc, WI
	7	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	DNS	Marco Travaglini		145	Arctic Cat	Norfolk, CT
	Heat – 2
	1	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	2	Colton Barnett		819	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	3	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	4	Zachary Howcroft	Team Peel Racing	810	Polaris	Caledon, Ontario
	5	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	6	Tanner Olson	Olson Racing	114	Arctic Cat	Ada, MN
	7	Austin Stamm	Stamm Racing Team	118	Ski-Doo	McConnell, IL
	8	Raphael Lemieux		44	Ski-Doo	Mascouche, Quebec
	Heat – 3
	1	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	2	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN
	3	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	4	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	5	Andrew Knoll	DSTI Racing	800	Polaris	Dayton, MN
	6	Alex Cecco	Cyclone Racing	133	Ski-Doo	Caledon, Ontario
	7	Jared Mensing	Octane Racing	451	Polaris	Blue Earth, MN
	Round – LCQ		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	Heat – 1
	1	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	2	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	3	Colin Kernz	Kernz Racing	810	Arctic Cat	Manitowoc, WI
	4	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	5	Colton Barnett		819	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	6	Alex Cecco	Cyclone Racing	133	Ski-Doo	Caledon, Ontario
	7	Tanner Olson	Olson Racing	114	Arctic Cat	Ada, MN
	8	Andrew Knoll	DSTI Racing	800	Polaris	Dayton, MN
	9	Dylan Barnett		820	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	DNS	Raphael Lemieux		44	Ski-Doo	Mascouche, Quebec
	Round – Final		Team	Bib	Sled	City, State
	1	AJ Stoffle	Stoffel Racing	800	Ski-Doo	Craig, CO
	2	Ryan Trout	Trout Racing	105	Arctic Cat	Browerville, MN
	3	Albin Lundqvist	BK Motorsports	681	Arctic Cat	Arvidsjaur ,
	4	Zachary Roberts	Ingles Perforance/Miken Racing	107	Yamaha	Rome, NY
	5	Zachary Howcroft	Team Peel Racing	810	Polaris	Caledon, Ontario
	6	Adam Peterson	Peterson Racing	113	Ski-Doo	Medford, WI
	7	Trent Wittwer	Factory Arctic Cat	115	Arctic Cat	Bemidji, MN
	8	Colton Barnett		819	Ski-Doo	Dunsford, Ontario
	9	David Solecki	5th Line Racing	226	Ski-Doo	Acton, Ontario
	10	Mitchell Thelen	THELEN RACING	239	Polaris	St. Martin, MN
	11	Kaden Woodie	Woodie’s Racing	980	Arctic Cat	alpine, WY
	12	Colin Kernz	Kernz Racing	810	Arctic Cat	Manitowoc, WI
	13	Daniel Benham	Benham Electric Racing	221	Arctic Cat	Deer River, MN
	DNS	Baily Forst	Schlauderaff Racing	341	Polaris	Thief River Falls, MN
	DNS	Derik Jansen	Jansen Brothers Racing	252	Polaris	Ham Lake, MN

Terol: ‘Ending season with win was extra bonus’

Courtesy of MotoGP

He had trodden two of the steps on the podium at his home circuit in the Comunidad Valenciana, a circuit where turn four bears his name, and he even celebrated the 125 World Championship there in 2011.

However, the top step had eluded Nico Terol up until the final round of the 2013 Moto2™ World Championship, when the Mapfre Aspar rider put together a perfect race to take the victory in front of an adoring home crowd. His third win of the season, which was also his fourth podium in total, capped off a year of learning; a season of highs and lows that Terol is now hoping can provide the foundations to a much more consistent 2014. Typical of his approach to racing, though, he will be taking things one weekend at a time.

Did you imagine you could end the season with a win in Valencia?

I knew I had a chance because I love the Ricardo Tormo circuit and it has always been good to me. I had the podium from last year still fresh in my mind and I was convinced I could do it again, although I wasn’t sure if I could win because in Moto2™ it’s really tough. My pace was good in practice but I needed a little extra, which we found on Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday morning in warm-up, when the set-up became clear. I went fastest in that session and knew I had a chance of winning the race.

You have scored podiums there, won a title there, even have a corner named after you there but never won a race at the Ricardo Tormo circuit. Was it a case of unfinished business for you?

Partly, yes. All of those prior successes had been incredible in their own way but I wanted to win. To be crowned World Champion at the Ricardo Tormo circuit was amazing for me. That was a race I thought I could have won but my tyres dropped off and I had to ride conservatively and think about the championship. I wouldn’t change anything about that 125 title win in 2011 but I always wondered what it might be like to win in my home race and finally I got that chance. It was an incredible feeling.

What is it like to win at the Ricardo Tormo circuit?

Crossing that line and seeing all your team on the pit wall is something special, and I was extra lucky this year because the grandstands were packed. As soon as I got to turn one on the cool down lap I started waving to them and then in Doohan corner I was able to light the ‘traca’, run over to the stands and show my appreciation to the fans for their support. The circuit felt like it was shaking, it was wonderful. I enjoyed myself like a little kid; to end the season with a win is an extra bonus in terms of getting ready for next season.

You ended up missing out on the lap record at Valencia by just two-thousandths of a second to your team-mate Jordi Torres. It seems you have a fantastic relationship with him even though you are rivals. 

I have a great relationship with Jordi both on and off the track. As soon as we put our leathers on we both know it is time to be serious and to work hard but other than that we are always joking around and having fun. We have a close relationship and I know I can talk to him about anything, although mainly we talk about bikes! The fact we are both fast is helping us a lot, we have a healthy rivalry that is pushing us both on and making sure we constantly improve. Obviously on the track the first person you have to look after is yourself but if we can help each other out we always do. On a personal level I would say I am more shy and Jordi is more outgoing but we complement each other well. We both know how tough it has been to get where we are and that is why we both work so hard. The fact we are both straightforward guys means we can get along just fine.

If Pol hadn’t crashed do you think you would have had to ride differently?

I don’t think so. I could see from behind that Espargaró was riding a little over the limit and I was pulling back a tenth or two in certain sections. I reckoned that the way he was attacking the race would eventually take its toll on his tyres, and tyre wear had been a problem all weekend for the Kalex riders. So my plan was always to stay calm and to keep pushing all race, which is exactly what I continued to do once he crashed.

Three wins, a second place and your first pole position in Moto2™… how do you rate the season? 

I would say my second season in Moto2™ has been positive, not just because of the podiums but because of what we have learnt. We finished the championship in seventh place with four podiums, three of them wins, but we need to be more consistent in future. After Espargaró I was the joint second winningest rider alongside Redding and Rabat, and my team-mate Jordi and I were the only Suter riders to win at all. That suggests we have a lot of potential and the team have been doing a great job. Now we need to make the most of the experience we have gathered and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes again. Learning how to better control the bike when the set-up is not perfect is something I learnt a lot about this season.

How can you win three races and then have such contrasting results in others?

I crashed at Le Mans because my visor completely steamed up and I hit a patch of water. At Montmeló we struggled to find the right set-up and got lost. As soon as that happens in Moto2™ you can quickly lose ground. The retirement at Sachsenring was a shame because we were running in ninth place when the bike broke down. I scored points at Indianapolis but that was a race I was expecting much more from – I was going well but became dehydrated and had to drop my pace just to make it to the end of the race. And in Malaysia I crashed. I don’t tend to crash a lot but you have to ride so on the limit in this category that sometimes you have to take more risks than you really should. The 2013 season taught us that we need to be more consistent.

Which was your favourite win of the year?

It’s hard to pick just one. The first one in Austin was special because it was my first win in Moto2™ and it was the first ever edition of the GP of the Americas. In such a strong category a win does wonders for your self-belief. Aragón was nice because I dominated the whole weekend, in the way I used to in 125, but I have to say the win at Ricardo Tormo was the most special. It is where I have a corner named after me, where I won my World Championship and where I love the fans. It was a perfect weekend for me, for my team-mate Jordi who was up there on the podium with me, for the whole team and for the sponsors.

Last year you scored a podium at Valencia that really helped you to build in 2013. Does your win this year mean you are ready to take another step forward now?

Of course that is what I hope. We know that Moto2™ is a very difficult category but we have another year of experience under our belt now, we have improved a lot and our objective next season is to be consistent frontrunners.

Are you ready to be tipped as a title contender?

I don’t expect them to tip me as that but I won’t mind if they do. Whatever happens over the winter my approach will be the same. I am going to work hard each day as if it were my last, to meet every little challenge I set myself and then we will see where we are at the end of the season. If we start out thinking about the title then we have started out badly. All I am focused on is running at the front in every race, taking each one as it comes without thinking about what might happen at the end.

How has winter testing been so far?

It has been good to get some laps in and to get a different kind of feeling. We have been able to gather a lot of information about the new chassis and we have given the Suter engineers our feedback so that they can work on it. There are things we still need to decide and the new chassis certainly needs to improve in certain areas, such as getting the bike stopped, but we have also done a lot of work with the 2013 version and found some good solutions with that so the signs are encouraging. We can be optimistic about the future.

What are you looking forward to doing this winter?

First of all resting and enjoying some time at home with the family. I guess I will go skiing for a few days with friends over Christmas, which is something I love. Then it will be the same winter programme as usual, spending time in the mountains training hard to get physically ready for preseason.

Define the 2013 season in a few words.

A year of learning in an extremely tough category. I tried to give my best in every race and to enjoy myself on the bike.