Motorcycles and news

SBK: Double Interview With Spanish Riders Fonsi Nieto And Ruben Xaus March 30, 2006

What do you see as the most important aspect of your character?
Fonsi: I’m hyper-active.
Ruben: I’m good in company. I love my friends and they love me too.

What are you thinking of when you pull your visor shut at the start of a race?
Fonsi: Winning.
Ruben: Having fun and going fast.

What do you envy most, one in the other?
Fonsi: He’s taller than me!
Ruben: I’m happy with what I’ve got, really. Fonsi is really famous in Spain, but that means he’s always getting stopped by people when he’s out for a walk. I’d rather keep it the way it is.

What’s your favourite circuit?
Fonsi: Valencia
Ruben: Laguna Seca. I really hope that SBK goes back to the United States soon.

What was your favourite race?
Fonsi: The second round of the 2006 championship at Phillip Island.
Ruben: Oschesleben 2001, in Superbike.

What’s the reason behind your choice of number?
Fonsi: I wear number 10 because it’s the full marks I never got at school.
Ruben: I’ve been number 11 since 2001. I first wore the number 11 back in 1996. I did well that season, so I started wearing it again in 2001, and I’ve never wanted any other number since.

Do you perform any sort of good luck rites before a race?
Fonsi: I always put on my boots and gloves starting with the left one.
Ruben: I always kneel down to stretch the leathers so that they’re comfortable.

Do you give yourself any little rewards after a win?
Fonsi: I’d rather not say. It could bring bad luck!
Ruben: The best possible reward is a warm welcome from the mechanics and my girlfriend.

How old were you when you started riding?
Fonsi: I’ve always had a bike. I can’t remember when I didn’t have one.
Ruben: I was five. My dad used to take me to races and I got my passion for bikes off him.

What do you think of the 2006 SBK championship so far?
Fonsi: The level in this year’s SBK championship is absolutely phenomenal. It’s never been so high. It’s great to watch and fun to ride in. It’s a really good season.
Ruben: I think it’s going to be a great championship. The lap times are really fast already and because Pirelli is doing such a great job on tyre development, this year’s championship could get even more competitive.

What would you like each other to achieve in 2006?
Fonsi: I hope Ruben achieves everything I do, but one place behind me!
Ruben: I wish Fonsi every success too. He’s Spanish like me and deserves to do well. Not as well as me of course!