Biaggi begins defence with two seconds

Article from http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/5-news/6711-biaggi-begins-title-defence-with-two-seconds.html

Max Biaggi began defending his number 1 plate with two second places at Phillip Island last week. The results in the opening rounds were a sign of the five-times world champion's determination to repeat his, and his Aprilia Alitalia Team's extraordinary success of last year, when they won both the Riders' and Manufacturers' titles.

The Italian might not have taken home the winner's laurels in Australia, because Carlos Checa proved to be unbeatable throughout the weekend, but the perfect feeling reached between the rider and his competitive RSV4 remained unchanged, and the ‘Pirate' actually managed to set the fastest lap in both the races. Biaggi's form at a track that in the past has proved to be difficult for both him and his machine is a good omen for the rest of the season. WorldSBK.com caught up with Max Biaggi for an exclusive chat after the Australian round.

At Phillip Island you scored 40 points, 21 more than last year: what brought about this massive improvement at a circuit which usually causes a few problems for the RSV4?

"To be honest after the tests in December we had a feeling we would be more competitive than in 2010. My race pace was always good and that was demonstrated by the fastest lap I set in both races. I'm happy to have done better than last year and, if it hadn't been for a Checa on top form, we could have gone for the big one."

In Australia Checa couldn't be caught, and you had a terrific scrap with Melandri in race 2: which rider impressed you the most in view of the season ahead?

"Checa for sure was more constant and he's also quick, while Melandri ran a good second race"

The next round is at Donington Park. In 2009 you had a great race 1, do you think that on paper it could be a good circuit for you and Aprilia?

"It looks like the Yamaha always goes well at this circuit, they won both races in 2009 (Ed. with Spies). I've finished second there but I feel sure we'll have to sweat things out in England, it's not going to be easy! I reckon Checa is going to be pretty quick there as well."

At Phillip Island you raced for the first time in Superbike with the number 1 plate, and this was also thanks to the suggestions from your fans: was it a difficult decision to abandon the number 3 or in hindsight is it a great feeling to race with the World Champion's number on your bike?

"I decided to use the number 1 for my fans, who have been waiting for this moment for a long time. And I also wanted to gratify my Aprilia team, because it's true that the number 1 has a specific meaning and it's not an easy feat to obtain it."