CW: Welcome to MotoGP. What do you think is special about it? RC: I have never been to a MotoGP race in Europe. I have always wanted to experience MotoGP in its home, in Spain or in Italy, so I’m really happy to have had the chance of a full immersion at Catalunya GP thanks to Monster Energy. As a motorcycle racer, I respect these guys so much. I have always kept an eye on them and it is amazing to see how fast they are. Visiting the MotoGP paddock is also very interesting from a business point of view. It’s cool to see all the sponsors, the hospitalities and how the teams are organized. It gives me some good insights. It’s an awesome experience. CW: Are you impressed by these powerful machines? RC: I’m impressed by the technology and the number of engineers involved. CW: Are you following the battle for the MotoGP title? RC: Of course I’m following it, and I want [Valentino] Rossi to win. I know he doesn’t have a lot time ahead of him, so I want him to win another title before it’s over. That’s why. On the contrary, [Jorge] Lorenzo or [Marc] Marquez, they are still young, they can wait.” CW: How do you evaluate Valentino Rossi’s extraordinary performance, considering he is 36 years old? RC: In my opinion, this year he is much better than he has been in the past. I don’t know why, it’s a combination of everything: The bike is good, the team is clicking, maybe he is taking it more seriously. You can see it reflected into his superb performances. It kind of pisses me off because it makes me want to race in Supercross again! If he can do it, I feel like...you know? Valentino is a great example for the older guys. 
CW: Do you think that determination and enjoying racing are really the keys for a long and successful career? RC: Like in any jobs, there are some parts that are fun, but it’s also tough. The more you can enjoy what you are doing, the better it is, but we don’t have to forget that there is a lot of hard work behind our sport. CW: What about Marc Marquez? RC: I thought for sure that Marquez was going to dominate, especially after the exceptional season he had last year. Everyone expected the other guys fighting to close the gap; instead, the Yamaha duo is leading. I think maybe Yamaha did a better bike this year. But Marc made mistakes, too. It was a bit crazy to see him crashing in front of the home crowd. CW: Were you surprised by the performance of the Ducatis? RC: I remember how much Valentino was struggling with Ducati. So it’s crazy and great at the same time to see Ducati back. Anyway, I think it will always be hard for Ducati to beat the Japanese manufacturers. CW: Is there a rider from MotoGP that you feel close to? RC: From a training perspective, I would definitely pick Nicky Hayden. We had the same trainer and we worked so hard. I think we have the same work ethic. 
CW: Have you ever tested a MotoGP machine and would you like to try it one day? RC: I never had the chance to test a MotoGP bike and I don’t think I want to try it because I’m scared of the speed. It’s too fast for me and I’m too scared! Maybe it would be fun to ride one on a closed course, but not here at Catalunya or on a proper racetrack. It is just a little bit faster than supercross! CW: What was the feeling of seeing your name in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame? RC: I was really happy and I wanted to dedicate this award to my sponsors and my parents, the people who made it all possible. Everyone involved in my career deserves this prize, and I wanted them to enjoy this special moment, too. CW: Your 102 motocross victories is an all-time record. Is there a particular race or victory that you remember as really special? RC: The first time you win at the top level is the most special because you don’t know the feelings. So the first victory has a really special taste. I think we all remember the first time for everything. I do. I still remember my first championship and my first race win as if it were yesterday. CW: You have won a lot in your career. Do you still have a dream that you would like to realize? RC: No, because I lived my dream. But I wish I could have one more shot at NASCAR. I had the chance to race NASCAR, but I still feel like I have unfinished business there. 
CW: You grew up with dirtbikes. Have you ever thought of switching to roadracing? RC: I never thought about it because the speed scares me...but not in the car, because I feel safer. CW: If you could edit your past, what would you change? RC: Probably when I switched from 125 to 250. Maybe I made the jump too early. I could have stayed in 125 one more year just to learn. CW: When were you happiest? RC: The happiest time for me was in 2002 and in 2005. CW: What do you miss from racing? RC: The funnest time was when I was 23-25 years old. If I could have those years back... 
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