-Why did it take you so long to go back to the 2014 chassis, which suits you better?
-Because in the end, compared to last year, we made many changes, and between races it's difficult to know where the problem comes from. We've been ruling out things, but the chassis from last year also had to adapt to this year's engine. It wasn't just a matter of taking last year's chassis and it working. It had to be adapted a bit to this year's engine and it also takes time. It is true that since Mugello, it was in the box, in the truck. Honda did a great job there but considering how it was going throughout the weekend, it was difficult. We didn't see that it was better until we tested it in Montmeló after the race. During a race weekend, it's difficult because sometimes it can confuse you.
-You said in English that it had been a long time since you felt so good on a Friday of a Grand Prix. Why?
-The important thing is that the sensations I had in the Netherlands have been confirmed today here. In the Netherlands, I already started feeling good on the bike, feeling everything better. It is clear that I take risks and push, but it's a different feeling. It's important to start with a good time and a good pace, feeling comfortable on the bike. It had been a long time because during a weekend we were changing many things to find the feeling and I never found it. We did it in the Netherlands and it has been confirmed a bit here, but we have to see how it goes in the second part of the race.
-When you say that it has been confirmed a bit, is it to not get ahead of yourself?
-(Smiles). Because considering how it has been going so far, it's not like I can say "it's done, I feel good now". There is still the tendency to slide when entering corners and I'm making an effort to improve it, but it's still there in some corners. Also, this is a circuit where Honda has always done well and it suits my riding style. Both Dani and I are going fast, but we have to take it step by step. I'm happy because I feel better, but I could still feel a bit better.
-How did you achieve this improvement?
-The exhaust is from last year. In the end, we made quite a few changes from last year and we achieved a bit by ruling out things. Malaysia confused us a bit because we were riding very, very fast, with a very good pace, with a lap time in 58, and everything confused us there. We needed time, but in the end, we saw the path we had to find, and this is important. I think we have to learn for the future, and it was also the first experience I had like this in MotoGP because I had always found things in their place. It's an experience for the future.
-Last year, you were able to achieve ten consecutive victories. Is that unthinkable today, or can you do it again in the remaining ten races? That, plus Rossi getting zero points, would make you champion again...
-(Smiles) I would sign up for those math! But I think the first thing we have to do is win a race again. Today looks good, but it's Friday and we're in practice sessions. It's about confirming and first of all, we have to win one race, then another, and another, thinking race by race. The first thing is to win one because I haven't won since Austin. It's necessary to have that feeling again. If you go with the mentality of winning all the remaining races, you can end up with zero points, so it's better to go race by race, and if on Sunday I have to finish second or third, then I will. It's clear that my nature is to take risks and I will try to go for the victory in every race.
-How is the asymmetric front tire?
-Good, quite good. I had my doubts after what happened in Australia, it was not this exact tire, but it was similar, but I tried it and I could say I have only used this one. I felt good, but it needs to be understood more, with more laps, because I only did fifteen and the race is thirty laps.
-Are you more satisfied with Honda's work?
-I am very happy with Honda because when you face difficult moments, that's when you need the factory supporting you. And I've seen that the factory is there for me, that they are working for me and continue to do so. It's not good to go through these situations, but it's important for the future, both for the team and for Honda, to understand the right direction. It's clear that with this bike, we were going in one direction and that's not the case, we have to go in another direction, but I have never talked so much with Honda engineers, with the factory engineers, and that's also important for them and for me to have a good connection.
-What do you think of receiving the King Felipe Award?
-I didn't know, it's important... Naturally, when you receive an award like this, you feel proud. For me, it's important to receive awards from your country and for them to make me appreciate what I have done.