MotoReview

Q: Is there an area of the bike where you feel development should be concentrated?

A: At this moment I'm not using the full potential of the bike, because I'm still adapting my riding style to compensate for the extra power and the unique characteristics of a MotoGP machine. At this point I think it's more important to concentrate on improving my riding ahead of the coming season than to start thinking about the development of specific areas.

Q: Both yourself and your Kawasaki teammate, Shinya Nakano, came up through the 250cc ranks, but how similar are your riding styles and set-up on the bikes, and do you share information on settings and tyres between you?

A: My riding style is a little different to Shinya's, so we don't tend to use identical settings on the bike. We also position ourselves differently on the bike, and this obviously has an effect on set-up. But, the fact that we're roughly the same size and weight means that, so far, our settings on the bike haven't been too far apart.

We do share information in the pit box, and we do tend to use the same tyres as well.

Q: Do you think having someone as experienced as Shinya for a teammate will help you develop as a MotoGP rider this season?

A: For sure, having Shinya as a teammate is a big advantage for me. He is a former 250cc rider who made the switch to MotoGP, so he knows what it's like for me at the moment. He's a good teammate; he's easy to get along with and quite open about what he's trying on the bike. I'm sure I will learn a lot from him this season.

Q: What are your aims for your first season in MotoGP?

A: My goal is to give 100% in every race this season, and to learn more every time I go out on track. I have a good target to aim for with Shinya and I hope that, as the season progresses, I will be able to close the gap on him. I think we have good potential - the bike, the team and myself - and I think it's possible for us to score some good results this season. But, as I said, most important for me is to learn at every race, and to do this I must finish every time; a big crash would lose me valuable learning time.

Q: This is your first year on Bridgestone tyres. How have you found working with the Bridgestone guys during winter testing?

A: It's good for me, because I've never had a tyre technician working so closely alongside the team. They are all good guys and they certainly know what they're talking about when it comes to tyre performance. Tyres are critical in MotoGP and it's good to have a company like Bridgestone behind us who are so committed to competing at the top level. I have had a real good feeling from the Bridgestone tyres so far this year.

Q: Does the fact that you're the only French rider in MotoGP put additional pressure on you to do well, especially at your home race in Le Mans?

A: For sure there is some expectation from the French fans for me to do well this year, especially at Le Mans. This does increase the pressure, but it's good pressure, because it helps to know you have the support of the fans. I've finished on the podium four times at Le Mans before, but I need to be realistic about my first home race in MotoGP. Yes, I want to put in a good performance, but I also need to think about my aims for the whole season, not just one race.

Q: Which is your favourite circuit on the MotoGP calendar?

A: It's hard to pick just one; I like the really fast tracks like Jerez, Mugello, Catalunya and Brno. I think Jerez is a particular favourite, because it's a technical circuit but the final section is very fast and really exciting to ride.

Q: What is the best part of being a MotoGP rider?

A: The best part by far is that you get to ride the fastest motorcycles in the world. What could be better than that?

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