Jordi Torres has already competed in two World Superbike races at home in Spain this year, at MotorLand Aragon back in April, but this month he returns to action on Spanish soil as the WorldSBK fraternity makes its annual trip to Jerez.

“I’ve done a lot of physical training ahead of Jerez,” explains the Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils rider. “I have raced at the track many times over the years and we went well there in winter testing. It’s been a very interesting year so far. Each event has been like doing a masters! Fortunately, this championship has two races every Sunday, so at least that can allow you to make up for your faults in Race 1!”

Unlike in 2014, Aprilia has been running no ‘official’ factory team this season.

“It is clear that this is not the same as an official team,” the Catalan admits. “As the year has gone by, it’s become clear that the other bikes have usually had a slight advantage; it’s not much, but just enough to prevent us from being up there. When a factory is fully behind a project, things can be changed more quickly, on a day-to-day basis. We don’t have that luxury at the moment.”

Looking towards the future, Torres has had a highly enjoyable year alongside Leon Haslam and is not planning on leaving the series:

“Leon is a fantastic rider. Honestly, you don’t know just how good he is. He has come from a bike that was not as it seemed…just look what his former team-mate Jonathan Rea has done with the Kawasaki this year. Haslam is a super professional. What surprises me the most about him is that he gets on the bike on Friday and he’s just fast immediately. He is very focused, both personally and professionally. His father, the legendary Ron, accompanies him to every race and he’s always around for assistance; in fact, they do these videos and Ron’s analysis is fantastic.

“I am delighted to be working with such professionals like the Haslams and very much hope to be able to continue working with them in the future. I'm convinced I'm here to stay. I do want to stay. If possible, I would like to carry on with Aprilia and, if not, I’ll find another team to continue in this championship.”

Torres has qualified on the front row of the grid at the last two events, with third at Laguna Seca and second at Sepang. Last time out in Malaysia, the Spanish rider achieved his second podium finish in WorldSBK, having picked up his first at Imola.

Interview courtesy of Circuito de Jerez