“It’s a big, big advantage because understanding what changes we might make takes time and it takes time to work out settings and to understand everything about the new machine.”

In 2002 the Yamaha was at more or less the same level as the Honda, better in some ways, worse in others. But in the winter of last year between 2002 and 2003, Honda made a big step forward and it seemed as if Yamaha couldn’t quite match that improvement.

Barcelona is a special track. I have always loved the layout of the circuit, but also the atmosphere and the fans are special. It has always been good fun.

I am still here because I like to prove myself. I still like to ride the bike on track and enjoy the races. I still have good reasons to be in racing after so many years.

I am focused on racing. I enjoy it. It’s a great feeling to be back fighting for the title.

I have designs I like applied to my helmet, motorcycle, riding suits, gloves,and boots. I have a designer friend of mine put the designs on them for me. I think a livery on the helmet is significant in expressing a rider’s personality.

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

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.

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

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.

Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.

Animals play a big part in my life, on tour or at home.

We’ve always been trying to climb this ladder that leans so hard on our own idea of what our big songs are. We realized recently that we’re not a band with big songs.

And the biggest irony is you spend a lifetime finding someone to love and then die learning how to unlove them.

Working in the context of ultra-famous brands like Dior and Vuitton, creative spirits are always going to feel reined in. It’s important that they are free to develop ideas. And rather than detracting from the principal job, it reinforces it. I think of that money as venture capital. It’s not a big investment.

Modest fame is not to be despised by the highest characters. [Lat., Modestiae fama neque summis mortalibus spernenda est.]

France, famed in all great arts, in none supreme.

The important thing is to believe in what you do. Have a big dream and take small steps.