Brendan Roberts Interview - 25 March 2009
Interviewer : You have arrived in the World Superbike Championship after last year winning the Title of World Champion Superstock 1000 riding the Ducati 1098 Junior Team. What the differences between the two bikes?
BR : The biggest difference between the two motorcycles is the tires-- getting the confidence to use the extra grip has been difficult to learn so far this year. The Ducati's engine and suspension are surprisingly similar to the superstock machine.
Interviewer : There are many competitive riders as well as official teams lined up, however, both Jakub Smrz and Regis Laconi showed there is also space for private teams. From Valencia to the first engine updates, do you think the gap between officials and privates will widen or do you believe a private Ducati team could well appear?
BR : I believe the updates for the factory teams will help a little, but some other teams are already on well developed motorcycles so you will see some teams move a step forward while others will stay the same. The results of both Kuba and Regis give hope to all private teams-- even other manufacturers with the results of Leon Haslam from Phillip Island. This makes me more determined to reach the level of where I know I can be, nothing is ever easy and especially with the number of fast riders in this year's championship, I have so much to learn but persistence will pay off.
Interviewer : Guandalini’s Team intends to aim high both for organization and structure and this year have chosen to hire, other than Smrz, another young promising rider like you. What are your impressions of the team?
BR : When I first met Mirko Guandalini and some team members at the workshop in January I got the feeling of a determined team with a friendly, family environment. They have all been right there giving me words of advice when I've needed it which has been very helpful. All my mechanics have been awesome and we get along great, we laugh and joke when the time is right and work when we need to also.
Interviewer : Do you believe it could help you to improve to have an experienced man like Pierfrancesco Chili on your hands? How are you feeling right now with him?
BR : Frankie has been a big help to me, the words he says during a session have helped me focus on what I need to do. You will always learn from a man of Frankie's calibre-- he has so much experience that if I learn just a little from him I'll improve immensely.
Interviewer : You have a tough and motivated teammate and it seems you are quite tight-knit-- have you received any suggestions from him?
BR : Kuba and I talk openly about all our issues with the circuit and settings, which I really like. In the past I've either had communication problems or teammates that were not willing to share information. I knew Kuba before coming together in Team Guandalini, but our friendship has certainly grown this year.
Interviewer : Now the Europe and known circuits are coming after 2 extra-European races. Last year you dominated STK in the Valencia qualifyng sessions and race-- do you believe you'll get a nice result on this circuit?
BR : This I can only hope for, but it is not certain as there are many experienced riders going to a circuit they know very well, just like myself. I believe Valencia will be easier as I know the circuit and I can concentrate on settings from the first session rather than learning where I need to go. The result is a difficult thing to predict, but I have some personal goals I would like to achieve so this is my main aim.