First 125cc, then Moto2 (where he won the world title in 2014), then MotoGP and now SBK: Tito Rabat has had a rich and varied career and the 32-year-old has decided to get back into the fray by calling Ducati and Barni Racing to drive in the near-series series. Today he starts his first SBK weekend in Aragon and for the inauguration Tito took part in a live broadcast from GPOne (you can find it above), in which he answered our questions and those of our readers.
The first concerned the transition from prototypes to near-production bicycles.
“The move was a difficult process, I struggled a little in the first tests, but slowly I got better and better – he explained. In the last test in Navarra I managed to be competitive, which is my goal. As for the environment, races are races, the team works like a MotoGP team. We have 3 races for the weekend and I like that, I’ll tell you the negative side on Sunday (laughs) ”.
Is there a big difference between a MotoGP bike and an SBK?
“SBK comes from a racing bike, the chassis is much softer and the same goes for the tires, a MotoGP bike is much stiffer. The biggest difference lies in the braking phase until entering the corner, where a MotoGP bike is much faster, also because it has carbon brakes. But on a flying lap with qualifying tires, the SBKs don’t drive much slower, but a lot depends on the track. “
And from a physical point of view?
“Riding a MotoGP bike is more difficult physically, but technically it is just as difficult to go fast. The bike moves more so you play with it more. If you’re going fast on a MotoGP bike, you feel more secure because the rubber sticks to the asphalt while you dance around the SBK (laughs) “.
Do you really feel the engine difference between the Panigale V4 SBK and the MotoGP?
“It doesn’t go much slower than the Desmosedici, it has smoother delivery, but it’s no other world “.
What do you expect from this championship?
“I came here to have fun and have the same weapons as the other drivers. Obviously I’ll have to suffer, but the goal is to fight for the important positions. We’ll see what happens, but I’m confident it will go well. I’m excited and fit and Ducati is helping me ”.
There is also a Marc Marquez in the SBK, his name is Rea.
“Johnny is a one-of-a-kind driver, he’s at a very high level. However, I haven’t seen him out on the track when testing. I think he’s definitely the man to beat and he’s in great shape. “
Let’s talk about the other opponents: Redding.
“Scott is a very fast driver and the BSB race gave him a lot of experience.”
Bautista?
“I haven’t tested with him, a lot will depend on how the Honda drives. He will certainly be strong ”.
Are you amazed at the level of the drivers in the SBK?
“I had no doubt that it was high, every driver now trains like a pro at all world championships. In the SBK, the drivers are very well prepared and have a lot of experience. “
Are you still training with me?
“Two or three years ago I started training with Joan, we both live in Andorra: he’s crazier than me, he wants to ride every day, so I like him (laughs)”.
What do you think of this start of the championship in MotoGP?
“All drivers are strong and all bikes are good, you have to use your head a lot, even more than before. Every day it gets more difficult and exciting, everyone is fighting for victory, I watch the races more than before. The team that works best and is the smartest driver will win ”.