Before the grid

When do you start thinking about the race?

As soon as I get out of bed.

What's for breakfast?

Probably a banana and some cereal. No chocolate before I get on the bike.

When do you switch into race mode?

When I arrive at the track and see my competition. The environment, the place, the seriousness, the competitiveness.

What are you like in the garage?

Very serious. I don't want to be disturbed by anyone or anything.

If someone followed you with a camera for the hour before a race, what would surprise them?

How much I wouldn't want a camera in my face.

Who is most likely to annoy you five minutes before you go out?

My mother.

She's also your biggest fan.

She is, indeed.

Do you listen to music?

Yes. That's what pumps me up and gets me going.

What's on the playlist?

Beats. Very heavy beats.

Any habits before you get on the bike?

I stretch my knees out, like Valentino Rossi. For good luck.

What goes through your head when you put your helmet on?

Go as fast as I can, stay with the group, latch on and never let go. The riders' pace, and whether I'll be able to keep up. And my opponents.

And the last five minutes?

Alone with my helmet on. Just breathing, and telling myself that I'm worthy and that I'm going to do my best.

What's the last thing someone says to you before you ride out?

Good luck.

At the end of pit lane, do you want someone talking to you?

Someone who doesn't overtalk. Someone who just reassures me that I've got it and I can do this. That's about it.

How did you feel on the grid at Portimão?

Excitement. Nothing to feel nervous about.

How do you feel now, compared with then?

A lot better, especially in how I manage my weekends: tyres, laps, getting behind someone to get a reference.