“I was gutted initially at Phillip Island when the engine let go, I felt that I had Gary covered and was pulling away. I had no warning when the motor expired it just went bang. It turns out it broke a valve which is unusual unless the motor has too many kilometres on it .I guess it is one of the things you have to live with in a privateer team. Overall though I really loved riding in front of the Aussie fans and thanks to all who came to support me and the other riders.”

Heading to Misano means Steve is back on his Italian home turf so in a way it’s like his home round all over again.

“I really love Misano as a circuit it suits my style and I enjoy riding here .It has a few great technical sections and produces close racing with plenty of crazy braking maneuvers. I am looking forward to getting practice underway on Friday and am not thinking too much about points or other riders but just having fun.”

\Last year the Misano circuit produced Steve’s First ever provisional pole position on the Pirelli development tyres in sweltering conditions. This year Misano has been brought forward in the calendar meaning the weather on the weekend could be a mixed bag.

“It certainly isn’t hot here like other years but I guess I'm not here to go to the beach so what will be will be with the weather. I hope its dry cause this track in the wet is a bit like Russian roulette. Being on the same tyres as every one else for the first time has been great for my confidence and the series. Four winners in four races is awesome.”

All in all it looks like it should be another weekend of racing to see full of excitement and action.