Continuity the key for Fabrizio’s title push

In his second season as factory rider, it was clear that Michel Fabrizio was able to cut out a leading role for himself, thanks to three wins and third place overall in the 2009 SBK World Championship. But this was not enough for the Italian rider because he was aiming to fight for the title right until the very end, something that instead did not happen. The fault lay with his disappointing start to the season and a lack of continuity that ruled out any real chance of challenging at the top.

"Maybe I started to believe in the title a bit too late" said Michel Fabrizio in an interview with WorldSBK.com. "For sure my bad start ended up by jeopardizing the whole season. Even today I can't explain what happened, it didn't go well and that's all. Having to make up points on two riders of the caliber of Haga and Spies was a difficult task. The other thing that I was missing was continuity in my results. I spoke to Davide Tardozzi after the last round at Portimao and even he said that this was the last step I had to do if I wanted to win the title".

On the subject of Tardozzi, how did you take the news about his resignation, seeing as he was the one who wanted you in Ducati?

"For me it's a big loss. He wanted me in Ducati, he helped me to grow as a rider and a person and he has given me fundamental advice. He's a great person as well as a true pro. I can't say I would have liked to end my career with him" joked Fabrizio, "because that would mean that I wouldn't be racing for much longer... But seriously speaking, I hope that our paths will meet again, motorcycle racing desperately needs people like him. Next year I'm racing to win and also to demonstrate that he was right to bet on me".

Who do you think will be your biggest rivals next season?

"It's going to be a hard-fought championship and for sure a more even one than this year. I don't think there will be a Ben Spies capable of winning so much, you will have to be constant until the very end to win the title. There are a lot of candidates for the championship, but I reckon Jonathan Rea will be one to keep an eye on, as well as Cal Crutchlow: I've watched his races this year and I'm convinced he's going to be a tough opponent next year. And there are many others, starting with my team-mate Haga".

Do you agree that Ducati don't seem to have that technical advantage they have had over the last few seasons?

"2010 will be even tougher than 2009 because the four-cylinder machines have improved a lot and they haven't yet expressed all their true potential. I think we will also suffer on circuits where we've always had a slight technical advantage even though I'm not particularly worried because there are a lot of sharp people in Ducati and they will do everything possible to put us in a condition to fight for the win".

Your brother Luca won the Moriwaki 250 4T trophy at 16 years of age. Are we going to see another Fabrizio in Superbike soon?

"Luca is pretty good, he's got a cool head and I'm sure he can go well. I only saw his last race but I was impressed because he had to win the title so he raced intelligently. They're working to take part in next year's European Superstock 600 Championship. Hopefully I'm not going to find a rival in my family..."