AN INTERVIEW WITH KENNY ROBERTS jr. - Team Roberts, MOTOGP

Sepang, 9 september, 2006

Q. On behalf of the Akrapovic company, we would like to welcome you among those riders who are using our systems. I guess this is the first time you are using our exhausts? Could you give us some general impressions about our systems and where you see Akrapovic’s main advantages?

A. Basically for me the quality of the product is the most impressive. In MotoGP, it is key to have components on the bike that give you confidence, and with the quality and durability of the Akrapovic system I know we don’t have to worry about any issues with the exhaust.

Q. As a racer you have been involved in motorcycle racing from 2-stroke engines all the way to MotoGP and Superbike machines. If you now look back and compare them, what would you like to point out, especially if you compare MotoGP and 2-stroke machines – since you were World Champion on a two-stroke bike? Is a different riding style and technique needed?

A. Basically the four-strokes are more forgiving then the 500 two-strokes. With the two-stroke you had to have very good throttle control, and the overall set-up of the machine was more critical. One mistake and it would cost you a lot of time or put you on the ground. The four-stroke has much more power, but it is more usable and with the extra weight more forgiving.

Q. What are your impressions of the MotoGP scene today and the philosophy of the championship in general. Is less than 20 people on grid in the world premier motorcycle class enough to make the class competitive and attractive?

A. I think the popularity of MotoGP is higher then it ever has been. The racing is very exciting, more competitive then it has ever been and by that I mean more people are capable of winning races. Having more bikes on the grid, I don’t know how much that matters or not. The important thing is the quality of the riders, and more or less all the riders in MotoGP are or have been champions in one category of racing or another.

Q. What do you think the new era from 2007 on with 800cc machine will bring in terms of costs and riders? We see lighter racers are coming into the class, especially those from 250cc…

A. I can’t really comment on the costs. Technology has costs associated with it and this is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, pushing the envelope of development, so I would assume it’s not cheap. As for riders, sure 250cc type riders have come through and done well. I don’t think it is so much a matter of their weight, but the fact that they have been raised on real race bikes, not modified production bikes. Some riders have come over from Superbike and done well, but it seems the transition has been quicker with the riders that have come from riding Grand Prix bikes.

Q. I guess you still have high hopes and plans for the championship. What is your aim at this point in the season?

A. Basically we are just trying to continue the development of the bike. I know and am confident of my ability and if I have a good package I can compete for podiums. The team has improved the bike to a level where I have confidence and can push hard. With the combination of the Honda engine, Michelin tires, Ohlins, our partners including Akrapovic and the team behind me there should be no reason that we are not competitive in the remainder of the races this season.

Q. And finally your plans for the future: are you planning to stay in MotoGP or do you plan maybe something else?

A. At the end of last year I figured I would be watching the races on TV throughout 2006, so it’s difficult to say what will happen in the future. Hopefully we’ll have a strong package for 2007 and I can get back and win a few more races.