It was same old story in Round 2 of the Qatar Superbike Championship.
After finishing in fourth place in the last Qatar Superbike Championship we worked hard and we tried to do new things in practice. We want to keep on improving and as a racer I do feel like I am getting the experience I need.
Round 2 was a bit of a disappointment. I started off brightly and in the first few laps we were on the top 4 and pushing for a good finish, but on the 5th lap we experienced an issue with the handlebar.
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The handlebar started to get loose, and thus the brakes started to weaken. I could not brake as hard as I wanted to and as I applied more pressure on the leveler the handlebar became looser still. I had to slow down and return to the pits as I did not want to endanger myself or the other races.
The thing about technical issues is that they are not predictable – you cannot really be ready for it. No matter how much you train and practice, if a technical issue occurs then you are powerless to fix it on the spot.
As I wrote in my previous column, we just really need some luck. I think we are capable of achieving our goals and get on the podium – we just need Lady Luck to smile upon us.
I believe, however, that not having a strong financial support plays a vital role here. We are simply not fully and adequately equipped due to financial restrictions.
The sponsors have been loyal to us. Honda is considered to be our biggest sponsor, along with Al Futtaim, Monster Drink and handful of others who supported us.
But companies all around the world are suffering financially these days and that is understandable. Our target is to find a sponsor who has the ability to take care of our financial needs. If that target is met then I believe that we can really put up a challenge and go out there and win it!
The Qatar Superbike Championship will resume on Saturday as we participate in Round 3, and on November 14 the UAE Championship will begin. It is important to build the momentum and then keep at it.
My head is clear, I am confident and ready for the obstacles ahead. We shall go with all we have and I am sure that we can challenge and collect the points needed.