Max Biaggi, four times World Champion and winner of more than forty races, analyses the first third of the MotoGP World Championship season, two days before the start of the Catalan Grand Prix.
Max Biaggi is a four-time 250cc World Champion and a former title contender in the premier class. During his career he achieved several impressive milestones, more than 100 podiums and a total of 42 victories. In his last season in MotoGP, Biaggi rode for the Repsol Honda Team, and he continues to follow the series closely.
How is your life now, are you missing competition?
“I competed for 25 years and I traveled the world, from one circuit to another! I stopped competing at age 42 and in the beginning I missed that life! Then I chose to evolve and that’s why I founded my own team. I want to give back to the world of motorcycles all that I have received over the course of many years.”
As a rider, how did you see the MotoGP Italian Grand Prix?
“It was a beautiful and exciting race! Lorenzo is back to dominating races again, after a year of suffering. He is a very talented rider. Rossi at 39 still gives a lot of excitement to everyone and Marquez unfortunately crashed, but before that he gave us one of his incredible saves. Mugello is unique, with a fantastic crowd.”
You rode a Honda in the premier class. What do you remember about that bike, and what do you see in today’s bike?
“The first RCV was an incredible bike. It had a 5-cylinder V-engine, and was a great combination of technology. Today it has evolved so much, in the engine and in the electronics, but it is still the bike to beat. Today it is a very balanced bike that Marc rides in a wonderful way.”
Did you expect a mistake from Marc Márquez during the race?
“The high temperatures at Mugello created many difficulties for everyone. I think Marc had a difficult weekend because of the tyres that didn’t suit his RCV. A crash is not important, as Marc still has a points advantage in the overall standings.”
“Looking at the standings, I think Marc will win the championship.”
What mark would you give to his start to the season?
“I would give him an eight. Without the problems in Argentina he would have even more points in the standings. This year the Marc-Honda RCV pairing is in very good shape.”
In preseason we saw a different performance from Dani Pedrosa compared to what we have seen in the first six races. What can we expect from him for the rest of his season?
“Dani is a great champion. You don’t win three world titles by chance. I’m sure he will have excellent performances in the rest of the season.”
The next GP is in Barcelona. How do you think Sunday’s race might go?
“Jorge is very strong there. I’m sure it will be a great race. All the Spanish riders will try to win at their home track -and the Italians will try to stop them! I am very curious to see the changes to the track and the grip with the new asphalt.”
Who do you think will win the championship?
“Looking at the standings, I think Marc will win the championship. But there are many changes from circuit to circuit and it will not be easy to win. Now the riders are close in the standings and there are still many races left. I expect great things from Jorge, Andrea [Dovizioso] and Valentino [Rossi]; it’s going to be fun!”
