Continued

Q. Do you feel that any shot at Grand Prix for you is now gone?

A. I don't know. We all know that I'd like a shot. (Just) To say I was given the shot, and this is what I did with it. Especially now, I'm riding so well and have definitely hit my form. You give me the bike with the power and I'll win races, I think I've showed that. It's taken a while to get here but I'm on a roll now.

Q. You'd like a shot. That's all?

A. Hell, yeah. I'd like a shot, like I say.

We've got great racing in Superbike and if I have to stay there I will accept it. It has been a good series and I'm grateful to Superbike for all the success I've had.

Q. Will you do anything different at Imola than you have this season?

A. Absolutely not.

Q. Does it bother you that you have to go to the final round and race for the championship knowing that your team may not even exist next year?

A. There's some wheels in motion, let's say that. I can't really tell you what is happening, but let's say that there are some wheels in motion regarding next year. I think the team will exist, but as far as budget and size of the team, that I don't know.

Q. You won't be riding there, though.

A. I don't see how it can happen. No.

Q. Does the politics of all this bother you?

A. Let's put it this way, let's say you worked at a job where you worked your ass off every day, 365 days a year, and you accomplished most of the big goals outlined by your employer as the important ones--for years. And instead of being promoted, you watched as employees who have not done half of what you have accomplished went on to the top level jobs before you get a chance. And it's not like this happens just once, it keeps happening day after day, year after year. How pissed off would you be? Does that help you empathize with my situation?

Q. Any final words?

A. I guess I'm from the old school; ride your ass off and you'll get what you deserve.