Q & A with Tadayuki Okada
| What do you think about the VTR SP-1 Superbike ? "Having raced the VTR at the Suzuka 8 hours last year I knew what to expect. But after riding two-stroke machines for so long and moving to a V-twin four-stroke I've found it a little difficult. The isnšt anything like it is on a two-stroke but the lap times are still good on the superbike." What are the biggest differences between Superbike & GP ? "The engine power characteristics and the handling. Although the superbike is about 30 kilograms heavier it doesnšt fell that way. Through fast corners the VTR seems lighter than a 500 and through slow corners I would say the machines are evenly matched." What do you think of your title chances in 2001 ? "I think it's very possible for me to win the world championship. I will try my hardest at every race and I'm hoping Colin and I can be a close match for each other and make each other go faster. I'll be visiting a few new circuits this year - Kyalami, Oschersleben, Lausitzring and Monza - but I don't see that being a problem. It will probably be easier going to those track having not ridden a 500 there. I will be going to those tracks fresh with no comparisons to be made to how well I did on a 500 there." Who do you see as your main opposition in 2001 ? "Probably Colin Edwards, Troy Bayliss and Troy Corser but I really want to be there with them, challenging for the title." What are your views on team-mate Colin Edwards ? "He's funny, we have a good laugh in the garage but from a technical point of view we are very different. Mainly because Colin is taller he has the machine set up so he can easily move backwards and forwards which probably gives him a little bit better traction. I'm still working towards a solid base setting but wešve spent a lot of the winter testing possible development parts for the 2001 machine and not concentrating too much on a race set-up." What is the highlight of your career so far ? "I haven't had one but I will this year. It will be Imola in September when I win the World Superbike championship!" |