Aitchison talks about 2012 Grillini SBK project
Who will you be riding for in 2012?
"Team Grillini. I will be riding BMW machinery, which will be supported - amongst others - by the Italian clothing company, Sweet Years."
The team name is familiar in WSB terms, can you tell us who is behind it?
"I know the team had a presence in World SBK a few years back when they ran a Yamaha. I really don't think that season was a true reflection of the passion and commitment they want to show. Yes they are a smaller outfit, but I believe this will work in favour of us. The Team is owned and run by Andrea Grillini and the structure of the squad will lend itself to maximising the best performance out of everyone involved. This was a point that attracted me to the deal actually, as I will be working with a few people that I have experience with in the past, so hopefully this will help us develop the BMW more efficiently and effectively."
You had offers in other series so why was it important to you to continue in SBK?
"I had a few other offers to go into the BSB series, which whilst I believe could also have been very good for me, my heart led me to stay in World SBK. Last year I had a great time in the championship and I think I really grew as a rider. I learnt so much about race strategy and bike development, and going through this process with some great people always enjoying the experience made me realize how much I really wanted to succeed in the world championship. I know I still have so much to learn and I have much more potential as a rider, so this year I want to grow again and become even more competitive. We have the BMW bike now, so it will be matter of working with a smart approach and reaching all the targets along the way."
Your new deal with the Grillini BMW team is a surprise to some who thought you would carry on with your previous Pedercini team. What happened there?
"Well, actually I was trying hard to put a deal together with the Pedercini Team with the support of Kawasaki, but in the end they told me that they didn't have the whole budget to support me racing, even though they wanted me to stay with them."
What level of equipment and technical support do you expect to have for your S1000RR. Will it be the 2012 model you will race?
"At the beginning, for at least the first round or two we will use the 2011 model, with key input and development from the BMW Italia machinery. Afterwards once we have our feet on the ground, we can switch to the 2012 model and take all the development from the earlier 2011 model. Most areas we are looking to develop will be done in-house, apart from the electronics, like engine and suspension. Working in-house on engine and chassis preparation, should enable us to work easier with the electronics supplier which will provide an in-house technician for all races and tests."
What is the long-term goal of the new project?
"I can definitely see Andrea Grillini has a very competitive nature and I like this very much. So with this in mind I know he will have high ambitions for this year's project in World SBK. Personally I know now I must focus on putting all the pieces together that can make my performance the best it can be. I can now focus on continuing my training program and work closely with the technicians for the upcoming testing schedule so as we arrive fully prepared for the first race at Phillip Island. In any case it will be great to be back on the grid in Australia for round one!"
