MotoGP
Third in this year's Moto3 World Championship, the Spaniard reflects on an action-packed season.
Luis Salom's Moto3 campaign was one full of thrills.
The Spaniard, riding for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team, went into the final round of the season in Valencia with a two-point lead, but a crash ended his hopes of taking the title despite having won the most races – seven – in the category.
Here, he looks back on the 2013 season as he prepares to move on up to Moto2 in 2014.
How would you sum up this year with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team?
Luis Salom: "It's been a very nice, very special year. I want to thank my team because this has been the best year of my life, I have learned a lot. The team has given everything to me and I have done likewise. It’s a shame to have finished the season with two zeros, but we have won more races than anyone else – seven – and this is very important to me.
It's been a great year, so I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me and all the people who have been by my side.
What role has the team played in the championship this year?
LS: "They were key. I knew this year was going to be very hard, because everyone was competing with the same material and also Alex Rins and Maverick Viñales had very good teams. Red Bull KTM Ajo have given everything for me. I've learned a lot this year, I can never forget it.
"During the whole season they have been like this, but I would like to highlight the work they did after Japan – it was amazing. Everything I've enjoyed this year, I owe it to them; they are very special to me. I would have liked to have dedicated a good last race to them, but it wasn’t to be."
Was the first race of the year your best performance of the entire season?
LS: "Probably yes, along with the Catalan Grand Prix. That was also unique because I took another double –pole and victory– at home, in front of my fans and with the stands filled with Spanish fans. It was an almost perfect weekend."
Besides the wins, is there any overtake, anecdote or celebration you will never forget?
LS: "Yes, overtaking at Silverstone. I still don’t know how I did it. I went from fourth place to first on a single corner.
It was awesome, I think it's the best move I’ve ever done.
One of your strengths this year, which has made a difference, has been on the final laps. Were you convinced that you would always take the win?
LS: "No, you do not think that. When that time comes you focus on your work, concentrate and give everything. Then you see the end result."
Who has made things the most difficult for you on track?
LS: "It's been an incredible season, the most competitive I've seen in my life. Both Alex Rins and Maverick Viñales had an excellent season. They deserved the title the same as I did. I would also like to thank Maverick and Alex, because I have grown a lot as a rider.
"However, they weren’t the only ones to have made things difficult on track. Alex Marquez, Jonas Folger, Miguel Oliveira and other riders throughout the year have been up there too."
Next season you face a new challenge in your career, with the leap to Moto2. What will you miss about the lower cylinder class?
LS: "Both 125cc and Moto3 are two categories that teach you a lot. Next year is going to be completely new to me, with a new team, bike and class."
Interview courtesy of Red Bull KTM Ajo team.
