Q) How have you spent your four weeks off?

A) I really haven’t had that much time away from the team. We had a test in England for Pirelli, which went well. I got to go home to Andorra for two weeks so that was nice. I also visited the British Moto GP race.

Q Was that social or business?

A) A bit of both really. It was a big eye opener, it’s totally different to the World Superbikes and they are just incredible machines. I got to meet quiet a few people including the promoters who wanted to meet me, so I guess it was a good chance to go and have a look at things.

Q) Ok then, so what about next year?

A) Well who knows, I have a couple of verbal offers for Superbikes, but to tell you the truth I am really just concerned with winning the world championship.

Q) There’s quite a bit of change ahead for World Superbikes, is that making it difficult?

A) I think Honda will be involved next year. Whether it’s factory or they support a team like TenKate I don’t know. It’s very political but I think the manufacturers will be back in action next year.

Q) It’s been 4 weeks since you crashed at Misano. Have you thought much about it?

A) Oh yeah! Quite a lot actually. It can’t happen again, the bike wasn’t set up for me to push hard. I was on a hot winning streak and I wanted to keep winning and that didn’t happen so it hurt. Had I finished even in fourth spot I am one big step towards the world title.

Q) I guess you’re very keen to get back and prove yourself again?

A) It was good doing the test the week after. I was straight back on the bike. I think I learnt a lot, like I mean it’s made me focus on the big prize and not worry so much about winning every race I’m in.

Q) It’s a big weekend. At the famous Brands Hatch.

A) Yeah, I’ve never had much success here. I think I’ve been to Brands three times for a seventh. It’s actually raining now. Good old England!

Q) Katsuaki Fujiwara is just 35 points behind you. Can you feel the tempo lifting?

A) I think over the year Jurgen Van Den Goorbergh will be the man who will push me hardest. He is a class act, but I don’t think he’s been to Brands. So yeah sure, Kats will be quick this weekend. I’ll just have to be quicker, but once again if I go top 5 I’ll be happy.