I started riding motocross when I was five…and then up to the age of nine I was riding but also on the asphalt. Motocross is something I’ve always liked and when I can I get out to ride, especially during the week. For MotoGP now it is a good form of training for what it means physically as well as mentally and it helps me because it’s hard! Especially going with Kiara because to try and keep ahead of her is something that helps! I started riding at a track called Los Arcos close to my town in Figueres is was hard pack and used to be longer and more ‘professional’.

I like motocross because for me it is more ‘savage’, more wild. Honestly I enjoy it more: the jumping, the sliding. Road racing is more difficult to arrive to the top because you need a lot of sponsors and people behind you. You need everything to go right and well to get there.

I used to go riding with my cousin, Isaac, and we used to travel to the Catalan races. There was always competition between us! Motocross is more ‘family’ and more social. It is so different to road racing. You have more contact with the people. MotoGP is about you, your team and that’s it. You arrive, race the weekend and go home. Motocross is more about hanging out, talking with other riders, watching other riders. It’s apart.

There is such exposure for MotoGP now that the sport has become so professional. There are a lot of people in the paddock and it can be difficult to be there…but there are some really fun and interesting races. I remember in Moto2 being part of some battles that were great, and I think for the spectators also.

There has been a bit of a dry spell for motocross in Spain. I remember going to some tracks and there wasn’t anybody around. Now I think people are slowly coming back to it and you see more people at the circuit. I remember when I was in Moto2 I went to the track behind Montmelo [Barcelona MotoGP circuit] and honestly I could not find a space! I think it has been growing again slowly.

I don’t ride motocross at 100% or where I might put myself at risk. I always have that small margin from the limit. [thinks] There are days when I do push and go full-gas but I also know where my job is and I have to give in. It would be stupid to crash big doing motocross. In motocross I always ride quite relaxed, take a higher gear! I’m not sure of my style; you’ll have to ask Kiara.

I ride a 250. I think it is more fun. I know I would also enjoy a 450 but I can control the 250 well and have fun with the smaller bike.

I think riding with Kiara is good for her as well! Whatever track we ride at I’ll make a time and try to lower it by a second and then she’ll aim to do the same. It really doesn’t seem like she’s a girl on the track. I have 100% respect because I know what it takes to win a world championship and in 2013 I pushed a lot. Big respect [to her] for four titles.

It’s very weird being a spectator here in Qatar [MXGP]. When I’m at a Grand Prix I’m quite relaxed because I know what I need to do but here I’m nervous! I have a very different role here.

This year in MotoGP I have a good feeling but I’m also paying a lot of attention to what I do because conditions can change at the circuit. At Phillip Island I have always felt good, right from the first time I went there on a 125. I’ve always been quick there, so I cannot really start relaxing. I have to look ahead and I know to be with the leaders I have to work a lot and trust that by the midpoint of the season we’ll have a competitive package.

From the latest OTOR issue #125. Read the magazine HERE

Photo by www.suzuki-racing.com