Jordi Torres: “Eager to race the Superprestigio…and lead the pack!”
Jordi Torres ended his 2015 World Superbike season with his first race win ever. Ranked fifth in the final standings, the Spanish roadracer is thinking of new challenges for 2016 which will include a new bike. But some things do never change: taking part in Superprestigio race is one of those.
You have attended Superprestigio 1, Superprestigio 2 and, now, Superprestigio 3. What makes this event so attractive?
Mainly, the big names that this competition brings together. Moreover, dirt-track racing is spectacular, exciting, the crowd really enjoys and they are very close to the rider. This friendly rivalry on track against fellow roadracers who are friends of mine is great!
What about the importance of dirt-track in your training schedule?
I try to practice dirt-track racing whenever I can but I would like those figures to increase. Witnessing my slide control improvement makes me feel happy.
You’ve never made it to the Superprestigio class finals so far. What is lacking?
Just a little bit in extra training. This time I will arrive in Palau Sant Jordi better prepared because I would like to face the best riders in the class finals. That won’t be easy at all, because they work really hard in the months before the event. Nevertheless, I am ready to perform 100%.
What do you think of Superprestigio 1 and 2… and what do we have to expect from the Europe-America duel, now tied 1-1?
Spain has plenty of very good riders in many disciplines, thanks to our inherent talent and our professionalism. American dirttrackers do have the style and the practice, of course, but our talent allows us to face them in good shape.
Please share with us a good bet for a World Superbike rider able to lead races in dirt-track racing…
Jonathan Rea feels really good and confident on a dirt track bike since he often spends huge amounts of time on the dirt, together with some off-road expert riders. He would be very fast in Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi oval, of course! His 2015 world Superbike title is more than well deserved. Jonathan has reached amazing peak performance levels during the season!
Dirt-track is motorcycle tradition in Great Britain and many riders choose it for racing purposes. In the 2015 World Superbike season, 25 out of 26 races had a British winner. Do you think that both things are linked?
For a dirttracker to succeed in this sport, great slide control when on the superbike, good fit and the strength level needed for bike control are mandatory. Both disciplines do share some aspects, and so Britons are good at both.
Congrats! You already belong to the World Superbike race winners’ club. Ready for fighting for the 2016 title?
Next season I would like to step on the podium at all races. However, everything will be new for me (team and bike included) so it will be a hard season in terms of bike evolution and development. My project alongside BMW for 2016 looks good and very competitive. I am ready for working very hard. But before that happens, let’s enjoy Barcelona Superprestigio Dirt Track!