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

I was lucky. My father raced bikes. He gave me the passion very early. I had my first bike when I was three or four years old.

But I could also start F1 or rallying. I love rallying much more.

I don’t like being famous – it is like a prison. And driving for Ferrari would make it far worse.

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.

I’m really happy, and beating Marc [Marquez] at the very last chicane gives me an extra boost.

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.

How do Ferrari know what I’m doing next year when I don’t know what I’m doing next week?

I feel 100% a Yamaha rider in my heart. I had a long career and raced with several factory bikes, but the highlight of my career is undoubtedly with Yamaha.

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

I have so much respect for my opponents; many of them watched the races as little children and were supporting me!

If I test the car for a year I can be quite competitive the next season.

In my opinion we are at the limit now, and 17 races is really too much. With all the testing that we do now, it means we’re always on the bike and it’s quite difficult.

You look at Moto3, the races are very exciting. Moto2 is fantastic, and then MotoGP is boring.

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

Maybe if Graziano make another work or another sport I wouldn’t have had this passion to be a rider.

This is a brief life, but in its brevity it offers us some splendid moments, some meaningful adventures.

She is delightfully chaotic; a beautiful mess. Loving her is a splendid adventure.

Now is the time for guts and guile.

Go where you just don’t know. That’s where the magic happens.

See your life as a giant adventure. Keep pushing the envelope, and remember that every dream starts off small.

I’m not afraid. Life is just such an adventure to me.

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.

The process of making a movie is what I love. I thrive on that. It’s an exciting miracle, a mad adventure. I love being part of it.