At the beginning of the season we started with no ambitions, we thought it was too early for him to win a race because he was a rookie. He was just supposed to be here to learn about his M1. But then he surprised us with his incredible three pole positions in a row and then with his victory. Everything happened much earlier than we had expected.

Generally speaking he is a very good entertainer for Yamaha and for the spectators. His season surpassed expectations early on but of course he has had some problems since then which we are working hard to address.

Q:
How has Jorge reacted since the crashes?

Masao Furusawa:
After the bad crashes he has suffered, he has changed his riding style somewhat, aiming to improve his confidence in the electronics, which can help him. Before the crash in Laguna he was recovering and beginning to find a different way to treat a MotoGP bike. Laguna was a great pity, very unlucky and another set-back but I am still confident for the rest of the season, although we will continue not to put any pressure on him and there is no need to hurry his learning process.

Q:
What is your feeling about the current Fiat Yamaha team?

Masao Furusawa:
I am very satisfied with Jorge's new crew chief, who joined us this year, Ramon Forcada. He is a very good crew chief, as is Jeremy Burgess. JB is an easy and sophisticated guy, he hates to worry about political correctness, like me!

Now both he and Ramon are combining their wealth of experience with the new technology very successfully. Regarding Jorge's bike specifically, I understand very well what Ramon is doing with Jorge and with Jorge's bike. I speak with him regularly and I am satisfied that we have the same recognition about Jorge.

Our entire team is made up of good people and good workers! As far as our riders are concerned, we have a very strong weapon; Valentino is the present and Jorge is the future!