World Superbike Interview
Taking a break from his championship-winning World Superbike season, Aprilia rider Max Biaggi was interviewed by a few moto-journalists on Wednesday in a teleconference hosted by John Gardner of Miller Motorsports Park.
And what a 2010 World Superbike season it was for Biaggi. The Italian won 10 races in total, including doubles at Miller, Misano, Monza and Portimao.
In the interview, a relaxed and enthusiastic Biaggi answered questions regarding many things: his title-winning season, the Aprilia RSV4, his outlook for the 2011 World Superbike season, his family (Max has a baby arriving in a month), and his fellow Italian motorcycle racer, Valentino Rossi.
Biaggi discussed his mental focus at the Superbike races, which keeps him working all day and much of the night during a race weekend. He says he places all of his energy into the minutest details, and this gives him the confidence needed to win races.
Regarding 2011, Biaggi says that there is much talent on the grid, and like 2010, many different riders will achieve success. As for the Aprilia RSV4, there won’t be many changes except for the usual on-track setups during the season, but if there was one area he would improve on, it would be the drivability of bike regarding power from the V-4.
As many heard, Biaggi took some time before resigning with Aprilia for the next two years. In the interview, Biaggi says the decision had nothing to do with negations on pay; he said the decision was strictly based on what his family was comfortable with. Biaggi, who has a one-year-old daughter and another child on the way, said once his wife gave the OK, he signed the contract.
Biaggi then discussed how his Italian fans reacted the 2010 World Superbike title was captured by their own superbike rider. This was the first year since the series began in 1988 that an Italian took the championship.
And while on the subjects of Italians, Biaggi also spoke of Valentino Rossi, and the nine-time World Champion’s switch to Ducati. He said this was very good for both Rossi and Ducati, and he thinks the Italian marriage will win a championship, although it may not be in 2011.
A transcript of the entire teleconference (thanks to John Gardner at Miller Motorsports Park) will be posted on UltimateMotorCycling.com shortly.