straight to q2

Do you like to read? Do you have a favorite book that has made a lasting impression on you? I like books about athletes because they often convey examples of personal achievement that are very motivating and inspiring. Of the last ones I read, I really enjoyed Kilian Jornet's book.

Is there ever a time when motorcycles aren't on your mind? Like everyone else, I sometimes like to disconnect, be with my friends, and talk about other things. Like anyone my age. But it's also true that my "job" demands many hours of my time, and naturally, I'm focused on it for a large part of the year. But the truth is, I consider myself very lucky, since I dedicate myself to what I love most, to what is my great passion, so for me it's a privilege to be able to spend so many hours a year thinking about motorcycles, as you say.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time [from June 2016]? Will you still be in MotoGP, or do you think you’ll eventually tire of it? Hmm… Well ten years is a long time to think ahead, but I hope to still be working with the same enthusiasm that I’ve always had. If my team and I are still together and still have the drive to keep going, that would be a good sign.

If you didn’t have #93, what other number would you wear and why? I couldn’t race with any number other than #93. It’s the year I was born and I’ve worn it since my very first races. If I didn’t change even when I was World Champion…I wouldn’t change it ever.

Would you like to try out an extreme sport like skydiving or paragliding, or do you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? I've thought about it many times but I've never “taken the leap” ha ha ha. To be honest, I don't dare…the track is exciting enough for me! But you never know, I never rule anything out!

If you could choose any MotoGP pilot on Playstation, who would you choose and why? What circuits would you ride with him? That’s a good question, ha, ha, ha. For the circuit, I would choose Circuit of the Americas (Austin, USA) and for the pilot, I would be myself. Because I am very good at it.

What do you think you’ve improved on this year [2016] in MotoGP? I think that what I’ve improved on the most this year has been managing the championship better. I’ve been less impulsive and more meticulous in some Grand Prix.