Having had some success in Moto2, Scott Redding made the switch to MotoGP in 2014.
It was to be an impressive debut campaign by the 22-year-old, who finished 12th overall and second in the Open Class.
Now a one-man team on the factory-specification Honda RC213V, Sports Mole caught up with the Gloucester-born rider as he prepares for the 2015 campaign, which gets underway in Qatar later this month.
How pleased have you been with the most recent stint of winter testing in Qatar?
"I'm really happy with the testing. When you look at Valencia, we were 3.1 or 3.2 off, but now at the end of this testing we were 0.6 and 0.8 from the factory Honda. We've been going step by step and slowly getting closer and closer. That was the plan we put into place in Valencia."
This is your second year in MotoGP. Are there any lessons that you learned that will hold you in good stead this time around?
"For me, this is like a first year in MotoGP because the bike was so far from this bike. It's a like a completely new bike. I've got a little bit of experience with carbon brakes, but I had different brakes and a different suspension last year.
"It is really difficult for me to take the advantages from that. It's a big learning year for me this time and I'm just trying to get as far as I can."
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Have you found MotoGP to be more enjoyable than Moto2, despite not winning a race last year?
"Last year was almost not that enjoyable because I never really had the opportunity to win. I'm already enjoying it more this year because I know that the bike can win and I have a chance. That motivates me more to work harder and take more risks to make that happen."
What are the chances of you realising the bike's potential this year?
"My target is to try to finish in the top six of every race and to be closer to the front guys at the end of each one. I want to close the gap. If we can make the podium once or twice at the circuits I like, that would be a hugely satisfying season."
Where are the tracks that you could potentially claim a podium from?
"Silverstone, Qatar, Phillip Island, Indianapolis, Texas - there's quite a few circuits I like. I'd have to say, though, that Silverstone and Phillip Island are my favourites."
There had been talk that the MotoGP would not be coming to Britain this year. Are you glad that the speculation didn't come to fruition?
"A little bit. To me, Donnington and Silverstone are quite similar, but at least at Silverstone I've had some good races there. Even last year, the Open Bike was good. For a MotoGP bike, I think that Silverstone is a bit more fun than Donnington."
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You're a one-man team this year. Is that something that is daunting, or is it an exciting prospect?
"It's something that I've always wanted, just so that the focus is on me and all the guys are working for me. I want to be in with the team and not just a part of the team. It gives me more confidence and makes me feel more comfortable."
Being in a new role, do you expect changes to be made as the season goes on and you gain more experience?
"Team-wise we are getting on really, really well. It's almost not normal how well we are getting on! The guys have worked together in the past and it's like we've all be reunited at one time. The majority of us speak English and we are getting on like a house on fire. That's a real strong package to have.
"The only changes that will be made during the season will be any updates that we can get to try to get closer to the front guys."
You've been trying to lose some weight ahead of the new season. How's that been going?
"It's been tough because I drop in weight and then I have a bounce-back because I've got no energy and no power. I'd rather be a little bit heavier and more comfortable and if I need to save fuel, I'd rather work harder on the bike to save that. That's better than riding around half-cut."
Does that mean that you've abandoned those plans?
"I've not abandoned it, more trying to slowly chip away. It's so difficult because as soon as I start to eat properly again, I go back to my standard weight."
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What is the main advantage of being able to shed a few pounds?
"In Qatar it took off almost three tenths of a second in the straight. When you look at it like that, it's quite a big difference, but I don't know if that's the weight or more aerodynamics. I'm going always going to try to be lighter, because there's clearly advantages in so many ways, but I'm not going to stress too much about it."
Who do you see challenging for the championship this year? Can Valentino Rossi be a big contender?
"Marc Marquez and Valentino should be up there, but we will have to see about the Ducatis. We don't know how their tyres are going to last and they've got more fuel than us as well, so until they come into our regulations, you can't really tell."
And what about yourself? How would it feel to finish in the top six overall, particularly with securing a ride for the season after in mind?
"Finishing in top six overall would be mega. That is the target I'm aiming for and although it's going to be hard, it's not impossible. I need to keep working harder and harder. I can't just wobble around this year. I've got to show to the team and the sponsors that I've got what it takes to fight for the title a year after."
The 2015 MotoGP season gets underway on 29th March in Qatar, you can watch this race and all the other action throughout the year exclusively live only on BT Sport. For more information visit btsport.com.
Liam Apicella
