In his first monthly Crash.net column, newly signed Foggy Petronas rider Steve Martin tells us all how his Oz lifestyle has changed now that he has joned his first ever factory backed racing team for 2005...
Hi to all
Crash.net users and welcome to my new monthly column. I hope I can provide you with an informative insight into life in the World Superbike paddock and behind the scenes at Foggy Petronas Racing.
Since the last race at Magny-Cours it's been a busy couple of months - more with thought processes and decisions to make about a number of things, rather than actual things to do!
My mind has been ticking over non-stop as to what to do for next season. I had a few options, each with pluses and minuses, and in the end, I was having trouble sleeping at night!
But I knew FPR was the best opportunity and so I took the decision to put my heart and soul into this project. I'm not the type of guy to have a manager so Sandra and I made the decision together, taking into account what was best for me as a rider and also best for us as a couple.
This is the first time I've ever been a part of a factory-supported team. Everything is so organised and professional, with tremendous technical and racing experience and knowledge in the team. I'm also really looking forward to being instrumental in the next stage of development of the FP1.
For me, looking from the outside until now, this project has been a huge achievement. It's also good for me that if the team decides, or if I ask for something to be changed on the bike, then we can actually change it, compared to other teams I've ridden for where their only option really is to bolt on a part rather than customising the bike around me. This last season I had five podiums and three Superpoles, so I'm hungry to keep up this type of pace which I think we can with the further developments I know we have coming.
