Q:
Steve, you're here at the press launch for the North West 200, are you looking forward to 2008?
A:
This is the first of many press launches for the North West 200 and I'm just helping top promote the event as much as possible. For myself, I'm looking forward to testing for the start of the season and getting prepared for both the World Endurance Championship and for the British championship. And then off the back of the British championship we've got the road circuits as well.
Of course I'm also looking forward to the [North West 200]. It's an event very close to my heart but you have to get things into perspective and prepare for it first.
Q:
So can you tell us exactly who you'll be riding for and where this year?
A:
I'll be riding for the AIM Yamaha Team again for the British Superbike Championship, North West 200 and TT. Also I'll be riding for the GMT Yamaha Team in World Endurance and I'm spare rider in case Davide Checa or Sebastien Gimbert get injured in the World Superbike championship.
Q:
Can you tell us a bit about last year's TT?
A:
The TT last year was pretty good for me. I'd set my stall beforehand and I was very very lucky enough to have Mick Grant in my camp. Mick's been a very big influence on my career since about 1998 and I was lucky enough to have him helping out. Not so much lines or anything - because circuit lines have changed so much since Mick rode his prehistoric bloody classic things! - but more the mental aspect. How to prepare your mind and what mindset to be in when you are actually riding around the place - keeping everything under control without overstepping the mark anywhere.
Q:
Is the TT a big part of your plans for 2008?
A:
For sure I'm going to be going back, I haven't finalised the deal with the organisers just yet, but we talk strongly each week and I will be there riding and obviously hoping to improve on what I managed to achieve last year.
