Max Biaggi: Past, Present and Future
His long-standing crew chief Giovanni Sandi, Francesco Guidotti, Aprilia's SBK team manager until 2011, together with a number of mechanics, have gone in a different direction for next year and for this reason Biaggi found himself in the position of having to put together another squad in record time. The choice has fallen on Aligi Deganello - Marco Simoncelli's former crew chief - and three more mechanics from Aprilia's racing team. Biaggi spoke about the past, present and future to WorldSBK.com in the following interview.
You are the most successful Aprilia rider of all time with 4 world titles (3 in 250 cc and 1 in SBK) with 36 wins and 32 poles. Where do you find the stimulus to improve?
"It's an honour for me to have been able to do all this and it's also sentimental ties with the Noale company and all its technical staff. Now things get more difficult as I have to win again, but I'm really motivated for 2012! I'm working hard to improve again and I feel that I can succeed".
You have had three seasons with the Aprilia SBK team. How do you feel about helping them to become world champion in Superbike, something they'd never been able to do before?
"I'm very pleased to have contributed to this fantastic result! The ‘first times' are always special and you never forget them, like my first 250 cc title in 1994 with Aprilia. I also remember 2009 when they called me to develop and race with Aprilia, the RSV was totally new and there was a lot of enthusiasm. We never expected to win the world title in just two years."
The same bike next year but you'll have a a completely new team, a sort of revolution for you. How did you and Aprilia arrive at this decision?
"In fact I am the one who has had to suffer this change. Nothing depended on me and unfortunately I'm paying the consequences. Everyone can imagine how tough it is to start a new world championship season with just a couple of months to organize everything and with a totally new team. Let's hope for the best!"
Who are the new arrivals? Are they going to make much difference to your plans?
"Together with Aprilia I've decided to take on Aligi (Deganello) who will be my new crew chief. I feel good about the decision both on the human and technical side of things. We'll have to see how the races go to have an overall view but just let us get down to work. There are also three more people who have worked in Aprilia. I'm feeling confident about everything."
How are you spending your winter break?
"Actually I've been involved mentally and on a practical level to get the team set up. Now that we've done the lost important part I hope I can have a more relaxed Christmas, because the loss of my old team was quite a sufferance to me. No hard feelings, I have a great feeling with all of them, so I'd like to wish them all the best for their new adventure."
