Interview Xavi Forés: I will try to be patient but consistent

 In Moto2, News

Xavi Forés starts his first year in the Moto2 world championship and is the only real newbie in the Mapfre Aspar team. After getting used to his new bike and team during preseason he still has a lot of work cut out for him, but is nontheless ready to race, hoping to learn as much as possible from his teammate Julian Simon.

Welcome to Moto2. How was your start into the world championship?
Thank you very much. In the preseason, from when we started until the last day in Jerez, we have evolved a lot. This step represents a very significant change for me. For some time now I have raced in national championships, aside from some wildcards in a few world championship races. Since I got the news that I would compete with the Aspar Team I knew that everything would change. And so far, the team is helping me change my way of working a lot, the results are positive. We’ll go step by step and get better every we ride the bike.

Regardless of the mega-team, how do you adapt to your pit crew?
Great. Except for my chief mechanic who’s from Florence the majority is Valencian and it’s a professional team working in synch, they spent years doing it and they transmit a lot of calmness when I get on the bike; in the end that’s what rider needs most. In the moment when they remove the tyre-warmers and you get on the bike, you just open the throttle, because you know everything else is well taken care of.

How is the feeling in the Mapfre Aspar Team?
Everyone, absolutely everyone who works here is very professional. Becoming part of the Mapfre Aspar Team is the best chance I could get, it is a team with the greats of the championship, many of the best riders passed and continuously pass through it.

At last you get the opportunity you’ve worked for…
It’s certainly been difficult for me. It is a shame, because I would have liked to be here earlier, but at the same time I am happy, because I know that me being here today with this team is based on hard work and effort. Being optimistic, this constant struggle to come here has made me stronger and I know what it takes to get things done. Signing with the Mapfre Aspar Team shows me that if you fight for what you believe is yours, you’ll eventually get the reward. So, when you succeed, you’re more prepared.

What is your strategy for the upcoming season?
At the beginning to take things patiently, but to be very consistent. Although I’ve ridden a Moto2 before, these bikes are very different from those I’ve rode in recent years. The little experience I have in this category tells me that if I work scrupulously, step by step and without a break, I’ll be getting better every day. So for the start that will be my goal, to continue with my adaptation and do it as quickly as possible. When we’re reaching the laptimes of the top guys my goal is to be fighting for the top ten in every race.

What do you hope for in 2011?
Mainly to avoid serious injury and a little luck. I’m hoping for the strength not to cease with my consistency. And I’m convinced that if someone works constantly, the results will come eventually.

How do you see the problem of not knowing many of the circuits?
I don’t worry about it too much, because when I had the opportunity to participate in world championship races, either Supersport or other categories, I’ve did some good performances including podiums, at circuits I didn’t know. The only thing that worries me is that this category is at a very high level. And the inexperience can lose you that hundredth of a second which you get from knowing the secrets.

Moto2 wild is a category …
A lot… As we saw last year there can be twenty riders finishing within the same second. Then the rider who ends up in 20th, a second behind, thinks he has the chance to be in front, why not. Because of that everyone wants to be in front in the first lap, sometimes more than necessary, and this may be dangerous. The races are very nice for the viewer because of the fairing-bashing fights, but the riders must always be vigilant.

Sharing the box with Julian Simon should be good for you to adapt and learn.
Yes, very much. For me it is a privilege, because we work together, we test the same parts and share information. Although we have different riding styles and I always try to fix things myself, it’s good to compare and see what Julian does that I do not and that can help me to progress. Everything that brings me closer to his level means that we are on a good way of work, because he is a great rider and one of the favourites for the title. I am sure that following the footsteps of Julian will be a great help for me.

What’s been the biggest change from the standard 1000cc to a 600cc prototype?
Most of all the engine power and the weight. The 1000cc has more power and the chassis is much heavier. Because of that it’s not possible to go fast through the corners, you have to brake hard and then lift the bike up as soon as possible to open the throttle. With the Moto2 quite the opposite happens, you have to go through the corner very fast, can keep the bike leaned over because it weighs less, and above all you must not let the engine revs fall so you don’t lose power.

Source: soymotero.net

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