Patrick “PJ” Jacobsen (Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki) is focusing on the last round of the 2014 FIM Supersport World Championship in Qatar, which will bring to an end an already strong rookie season for the young American rider. The 21 year old from Montgomery, New York, has managed to make it onto the podium twice this year with his best race finish so far being a second place at Jerez. Jacobsen is now looking forward to finishing the racing year on a high before concentrating on 2015, hoping to line-up again in the series for what would be his second consecutive season.

You have been building up speed since the start of the season and now you are regularly fighting for a podium finish. Did you expect such a strong rookie season in WSS?
"You know, going into the season I knew it would be extremely difficult. I set myself realistic goals going into this year, just like I did going into British Superbike for the first season. At the beginning of the year I knew if I could get on the podium towards the end of the season and consistently run in the front group, it would be a huge achievement for my rookie season."

How did it feel when you stepped on the WSS podium for the first time at Misano?
"It was really awesome. A moment I will never forget about, especially because it was the first race my dad and Girlfriend Danielle could attend this year. I have been through some tough times in racing, so that podium really meant a lot. It sunk in well."

You adapted very quickly to the series and you seem to learn new tracks quite fast. Has it always been this way in your career?
"I think once I get comfortable with my surroundings, like the riders you’re racing, people in the paddock, it all just eventually clicks, and you just don't have those weird feelings anymore, because you know you belong there. Basically I have had to learn almost all of the tracks this year during the first free practice session. It's kind of hard because I always feel like the guys that know the tracks so well are always a session ahead of me, but I have an awesome crew so when Sunday comes around we are always near the front pack."

This year you have double World Supersport champion Andrew Pitt as crew chief. How much has his experience helped you?
"Andrew is a great guy to work with. I never really knew him, just knew of him. This year I really can't thank him enough. He has been a huge part of the whole program. He knows the answer to every problem I might have, from training to racing. It's a huge help, because he's been through this all and knows what it takes to win a world championship, as he has done it twice."

What can you tell us about the final race of the year in Qatar? It is going to be an unknown territory for a lot of riders, do you think this is going to help you?
"Another track I have never been to, but I can't wait to ride it, and especially at night. I think it's just another racetrack so there will be no advantage or disadvantage at this one. It's just going be who twists the throttle more, it's the last round, points are on the line, and people want to make a statement to the end the season. I know mentally and physically I will be prepared and I’m going to give it 100% for the last one of the year."

What about next year?
"I'm just going to try to focus as much as I can on this last round, put in a good result and I hope to remain in the World Supersport Championship again next year.”