Interview with Shinya Nakano for Yakhnich Motorsport

Misano Adriatico, April 1.

This time we came to the track not for practicing or racing as usual but as “young” journalists.

The Aprilia Company was carrying out a test-ride of Aprilia RSV4. The best motor sport journalists of Italy and of course the leading pilots of this producer Max Byadgi and Shinya Nakano, competing in WSBK this year, were among the guests.

We know a lot about Max’s career but Shinya was a mystery for us. At the presentation of a new bike the day before he seemed an open and smiling guy with a good sense of humour. So, of course, it was him we wanted to talk to. We were a bit nervous but bold enough to go to the pit wall where Nakano was standing alone.

 

NN (Nadja & Natasha): Shinya, How do you do! Can you answer some questions, please?

SN (Shinya Nakano): Sure! With pleasure! Where are you from?

NN: From Russia, Moscow!

SN: Really? Great! How far is Moscow?

NN: About 4 hours by plain.

SN: (makes surprised eyes and smiles): Not very far… My Motherland is farther :))

NN: Shinya, the first question is the following: You raced in MotoGP and now it is your first season in SBK. What championship seems more interesting for you?

SN: I can’t compare these two competitions. MotoGP is like Formula 1 in car racing. Motorcycles in MotoGP are provided with electronics and equipped according to the latest know-how, but SBK bikes are more like stock bikes. Such bikes can be found in every garage, even in mine. But the technical level is constantly rising. Strong pilots take part in SBK competitions too and the rivalry is very tough and interesting here!

NN: Shinya, do you have many friends? What kind of relations do you have with other pilots in the boxes?

SN: I have a lot of friends and I like communication. But I have to practise a lot and it would be foolish to bring it to naught by going to the bar with some friends a couple of days before the competition. After the race – yes, sure! My relations with other pilots are very friendly but before the race I “hide behind a wall” from everyone, even from my girl-friend in order to get concentrated.

NN: Shinya, when you were a child could you imagine that you would become one of the most well-known racers of the world?

SN: No, of course, not, I started with mini-moto and then my bikes were more and more powerful. I took part in many different competitions and I was not the first quite often. A lot of my rivals have changed their life priorities. Some of them have left the sport, some of them have joined in the car racing. But for me motor sport is the sole aim of my life and I devote myself to it!

NN: Only three best racers share the podium and sometimes you realize before the race that the podium isn’t for you today. What feelings and expectations do you have at the start?

SN: Yes, sometimes it happens. But I am a professional motor racer. We carry out big work getting information about the bike. We test tyres for the producers and get that information which will help to improve the bike in the future. It is my job and I like it!

NN: Shinya, do you remember any moment in your life which you would like to go through again or, may be, amend?

SN: Let me think… Of course! You remember I lost the champion title in 2000 (250 cm3). Then I was overtaken actually on the finish stretch by my team-mate Jack Olivier. If I had a chance I would like to go through this moment again and take my revenge! For some reason good recollections about races pass very quickly but bad ones remain in the memory for long…

NN: Do you think a woman in motor sport can be as strong as a man?

SN: Yes, of course! I remember when I was a mini-moto racer there was one girl who was very strong and had aggressive manner of piloting, and it was great! It doesn’t matter who is on the track - a boy or a girl – the main thing here is to have a strong character and a desire to win!

Motorcycling is getting more and more popular. Many girls are getting involved into this sport. They buy beautiful uniform and helmets and I like it! The bike is becoming fashionable and a girl on the bike is very attractive!

NN: Shinya, thank you for your sincere answers. We wish you good luck and new victories!

In his turn, Shinya wrote some words to all Russian motorcyclists. He was also pleased to find out that we were racers too and that next week we were taking part in the race in Vallelunga. “Really? Great! Good luck!!!”

How do you do! I am Shynia Nakano from Japan. I ride Aprilia. I would like to race in Russia. April 1, 2009. Shinya Nakano, №56.

You can read about Nakano here