“The great fights with your strongest rivals are always the biggest motivation. When you win easily it's not the same taste.”

“I would have probably stolen cars - it would have given me the same adrenaline rush as racing.”

“I race to win. If I am on the bike or in a car it will always be the same.”

“Maybe the bike is more dangerous, but the passion for the car for me is second to the bike.”

“Riding a race bike is an art - a thing that you do because you feel something inside.”

“I am able to ride the bike and think clearly about strategy and tyres. I also have positive thinking. I am very constructively critical.”

“The great fights with your strongest rivals are always the biggest motivation. When you win easily it's not the same taste.”

“To be a great motorbike racer, the most important thing is passion for the bike.”

“The most important thing is to have a good relationship with the bike... you have to understand what she wants. I think of a motorcycle as a woman, and I know that sounds silly, but it's true.”

“I have a lot of energy after 2 A.M. I like to sleep in the morning. I have some problems at the start of the day.”

“I don't like being famous - it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.”