– Theres one month left for the start. What are your feelings for the 2005 Dakar?
Im very excited. Although this is going to be my eighth time in the Dakar, every edition is different. There are always new challenges, new expectations and in addition, this year Ill be racing within a big structure, together with two extraordinary riders such as Isidre Esteve and Marc Coma. We have a great team both as regards mechanical and human aspects and I think I can contribute a lot to it. Esteve and Marc are young and fast riders who have shown to be in a great moment along the season. Ill try to contribute with my experience and maturity, to help the Repsol KTM Team to regain the title.
– How have you prepared the race and what are the differences with regard to last year?
Ive worked hard and thoroughly in this years Italian Enduro Championship, but we all know that the Dakar is something different. The race demands a lot and Ive physically prepared myself conscientiously. I enjoy doing sports and in addition to taking part in the different races of the enduro championship I go jogging every day for a couple of hours, I do some trips on my KTM and occasionally do some extreme sports. Theres no big difference from one season to the other, you just have to exercise yourself to get to the Dakar in a perfect shape.
– What does it mean to become part of the Repsol KTM Team this season?
It is with no doubt an important step forward in my career because if theres a combination everybody associates with high-level competition, professionalism and number one it is Repsol and KTM. I feel very proud because they thought of me to become part of the team and I hope to be able to match up to the expectations. Although the demands and the pressure will be huge, the fact that a team like this wants you to become part of it is an enormous professional recognition.
– The big aim will be fighting for the teams victory. Are you ready for it?
Yes, Im ready to face the challenge, with no doubt. I made up my mind to go and get the team victory; if it wouldnt be like that, theres no need to start. This years stake is a high one and the pressure will be high as well, but we have to move on step by step, though firmly, to build a path that will take us to Dakar in the lead. We all know our duties in the team and mine is helping Marc and Isidre to be the best.
– What would you highlight of this years route?
Basically that the race this year will be much slower than last year. Since there is going to be much more navigation work, you cannot be too fast because you have to be following carefully the route map, checking the GPS points, etc. to be sure that youre following the right way. Well also have to be very careful with the mechanical aspect because there are several marathon stages where we wont be able to get any help from our mechanics to repair the bikes.
– This has been a very intense season; whats your assessment?
The overall assessment is positive. The season did not start very well for me because I had a serious accident during the sixth stage of the 2004 Dakar that forced me to retire. From then on everything went better. Ive been very competitive in the Italian Championship, and even took the title in the 250cc 2-stroke class. I hope to continue on the rising line to crown the work done with a good result in the Dakar.
