Niccolo Canepa’s return to Althea Racing has been seen as a new opportunity for the Italian rider, having already ridden for two other teams earlier this season. Following the withdrawal of Team Hero EBR, the 27-year-old found refuge at Grillini SBK Team. He then moved back to Althea – the outfit he rode for in 2014 – when team owner Genesio Bevilacqua decided to dispatch of the services of Nico Terol. Canepa took time out on Thursday to catch up with WorldSBK.com.

Three different teams in eight rounds so far this season. How can you describe the first part of your 2015 campaign, Niccolo?
Difficult. It’s not easy to change bike and team so many times and in such a short space of time. Finding the feeling with the Ducati is not as straightforward as it may seem, either. However, the team is exceptional and now I have a good opportunity to end the season in a really good way. Bearing in mind how the first part of 2015 has gone, I obviously have no expectations about my final championship position. I’ll give it 110% at every race. It’s going to be very important ahead of next season.

How are you finding the Ducati Panigale R in comparison with the EVO bike you rode last year?
It is obviously a completely different bike and the steps forward are huge. Unlike the EVO machine, this version of the Panigale R has several updates and has solved all of the major problems on the bike from last year. It has been a really nice surprise. The bike we have is very similar to the official one, if not equal. Clearly, it has a few things that aren’t quite up to the same level but it is still very, very competitive.

What about how you handle the constant changes of team? How do you feel mentally?
Well, you never sit still and it does make you think about things. Riders who are on more than one year of contract tend to relax, but I’m always on the edge [laughs]! Of course I always try to do my best, not only in my training but also on the track. But it is true that, when there are constant changes, results are difficult to obtain. In this particular case, as I already know the Althea team, the transition should be easier.

How are you getting on with your new team-mate, Matteo Baiocco?
Great! It’s really good to be working with him. He’s a guy who has basically had the same career as me in World Superbike, having been a test rider for Ducati. The year I won the Superstock 1000 title (2007), he entered the last race at Magny-Cours as the points leader. Our careers have crossed a lot and we have similar experience; we are both able to contribute well to the development of the bike.

What do you make of the situation at the front of the field?
Jonathan (Rea) has been on another planet up to this point. I never had any doubts that he would be a title contender, but he has certainly given Sykes more than a good run for his money. Jonathan has been the cat amongst the pigeons. If you can get ahead of your team-mate like that right from the off, it gives you that psychological edge.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca will be the setting for Round 9. You have always been very strong there…
It is definitely one of my favourite tracks and I love the atmosphere in California. The way racing is over there is very different. I have not actually had any stunning results in the races there, although I have lapped very quickly. Last year, the second race was not going too badly at all, but I had to retire with a clutch problem. I had always watched Laguna on TV in past years and it really fascinated me. Once you actually get out there and get onto the track, you know how amazing it really is. It’s almost creepy!

What is the goal until the end of the season?
I want to be in the top ten in every race, that is the absolute minimum. Ideally, a couple of races in the top five. Unfortunately all of my favourite tracks are already gone, but I am convinced that after a few races I can do really well. The latter rounds of 2015 are going to be extremely important for my career. You can do well at Laguna, Magny-Cours and Qatar, but the odds are changing and every year is different in terms of bikes and preparation. I’m not taking anything for granted.