World Superbike Interview: Max Neukirchner

We are heading towards the second race of the World Superbike season, and next round will be held on the great Portimao circuit. The first race of 2010 was pretty promising, as we were treated to some great battles as always.

The Ten Kate Honda team, one of the most winning teams in the WSS series and already a winner in WSBK, is looking pretty strong for this season with a young and partly new line up.  Jonathan Rea has already shown his talent and will to achieve results and this season could be a real rebirth for his team mate, Max Neukirchner.

The German rider is trying to get back to his previous form after an unlucky season and his motivation is very high, so we should be in for some exciting racing!

The new season has just started, Suzuki has done a wonderful job and you are on a new adventure with the Ten Kate Honda squad. What are your feelings on that?

Max Neukirchner: I am very happy to stay with Ten Kate Honda in the championship. After 9 months break I need a little bit more experience with the bike. Everything is new, the bike, the team, long time without racing . Now we have to piece the puzzle together.

Are you completely physically recovered? How did you spent the off-season this year?

Max Neukirchner: Yes I am 100% recovered. There were a lot of strange stories about my health in the paddock.  In the off-season I worked hard on my fitness level. Christmas time and new year I traveled around Asia. After that we started with the tests in Portimao.

What do you think are the strengths of the Fireblade in comparison of your previous experience with the GSX-R?

Max Neukirchner: I like the character from my new bike. My feeling for corner entry is better with the Honda. The Honda is more agile.

After all your efforts over your career, what are your goals for the season?

Max Neukirchner: To come back to my speed before the crash as soon as possible. When I’m back on this level I have to see what is possible in the championship.

Tell us a bit about you and your bike: Where does your number #76 come from? Any particular behaviour before getting on top of your bike? Other things you like to do beside riding bikes?

Max Neukirchner: When I started my carrier 76 Oils and fuel was one of my first real sponsors. So I use this number and I have never changed. Now 76 is my favorite number. The only thing that t I do before I getting on the bike is: I use my Dr.Brux. In my off-time I like to dive and travel in far away countries.

About racing technique & style, would you like to give the fans some advice?

Max Neukirchner: The most important thing is the safety. The leathers, helmet, gloves, boots and protectors must be on a high level. Of course the technology is also very important. I think for hobby racing a good suspension is more important than an engine with a lot of power.

Ten Kate is a great team and has a strong, young team with you and Johnathan Rea; where do you think you can aim for the season?

Max Neukirchner: Sure I will catch the title in the future. When I finish this year in the top eight I’m happy.

What are your favourite tracks? And what are the “timing” (crucial) points in those?

Max Neukirchner: Phillip Island, Brno, Monza -  I like the fast and flowing tracks. In Monza I won my first WSBK race; that is in my mind. I am happy to come back there.

Thank you Max, Good Luck for your season!

Max Neukirchner: Thank you too. Best wishes to my fans!