Max Biaggi facing the change of his life
In his eighth season in the premier class, Max is facing his greatest chance to clinch the longed-for title
He is in the team that has clinched more titles in the last ten years, with the bike that has gathered the most number of victories and with the most prize-winning sponsor. Conscious about these facts, the Italian rider started the preseason tests with firmness, despite suffering a serious injury on his right ankle at the end of the year, which hindered him from getting on his new bike until the first 2005 tests in Malaysia. After showing himself fast and competitive during the private tests in Malaysia, Australia y Qatar, Max arrived at the first official tests convinced that he was ready to beat all his opponents. And he did; on the first two days, Max showed himself unbeatable in Barcelona. On the third and definitive day, a crash due to oil stains left by the engine of another rider, and a later mechanical failure of his engine, hindered the experienced Italian rider from finishing on top of the time sheets on Sunday. This last weekend, the appearance of the feared chattering on his bikes, hindered the Repsol rider from showing his best performance in Jerez. But Biaggi, skilled after a thousand battles, knows that the season is long and that theres still a long way to go. How would you assess your preseason?In general terms, we were quite competitive at the beginning, but everything changed during these tests in Jerez. Weve been improving from the moment I started to lap, considering our initial situation. Today Im completely recovered from the ankle injury; Id say that Im at a 100% in that aspect. From last year to early this year I hadnt been able to test the bike I was going to use this season. We got new material in January, but nothing new since then, and frankly, I expected a lot more. The new parts are not enough. We need to improve a lot more to be able to win and I hope that the improvements arrive on time. How do you see your main rivals, such as Rossi, Gibernau and Hayden?It seems that the situation is not very different from last year, although it is true that the differences are less and that there are more riders within less tenths of a second. The three of them have shown themselves very competitive, more than me, and I still dont know why. Hayden doesnt have as many problems as I do and its seems that hes doing much better than last year. Despite being new, his team has done a great job. But I only have to think about myself and try to fix solve my own problems. Any favourite?Ive seen Tamada very strong. Hes adapted very well to the change of tyre manufacturer and he has shown a great evolution with regard to last year. How do you see Honda with regard to Yamaha?Yamaha has improved a lot compared to last year, but Honda seems to have improved as well, although I cant say how much. The proof is that many Honda riders have made a big leap forward, although it is not my case. Id like to have a proof that my machine has also evolved like the others. This horrendous weekend in Jerez has been a complete mystery to me. You only have to look at the time sheets and see where we all are. And your new RC211V, compared to the one you had last year?To be honest, I havent noticed much changes. Its true that it has improved, but not enough. Next time well meet at the track itll be for the first Grand Prix of the season, how do you think will the first race be?A total mystery. Only one week ago we were completely competitive; we set the fastest time on two days in Barcelona and who knows if we would have managed to do it the third day as well if we wouldnt have had the problem with the connector. But now, with two weeks left before the first Grand Prix, which is going to be held here, in Jerez, were quite lost. We have to keep on working and I hope things will work out better when were back. Ill come to the Grand Prix to give my best and I hope the bike works well then, because I cannot be fighting against the bike. A bet.None. I only care about myself. What are your plans from now until the start of the Championship?Going home, relaxing and continuing with the training.
