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July 13, 2009
An interview with BMW riders Michael Ferreira and Francis Martin
Michael Ferreira #210
1. Mike, you came to BMW Motorrad after winning the RACE Regional Pro600 Championship as a privateer. How was the switch from privateer to factory rider?
Ferreira - After a full season of putting countless hours of bike prep and maintenance time into my race-bikes, I found that having a knowledgeable crew relieved a lot of that time allowing me to focus more on training and riding altogether.
2. How was the transition from a 600cc Japanese in-line four machine to the BMW boxer?
Ferreira - The transition was somewhat abrupt in my opinion considering the motorcycles in question. There were two things that differentiated the bikes, power and suspension.
3. Was the power the biggest thing to get used to or was it the different BMW style suspension?
Ferreira - The biggest difference that I found between the in line four and the BMW was the torque and how the power was delivered. Although getting used to the power delivery was much easier than adjusting to the riding position needed for the cylinder heads that protrude out past the silhouette of a conventional motorcycle. As far as the suspension is concerned, it was a completely new concept to me that I am still learning to this day. I would have to say without a doubt that the power was much easier to adapt to than the suspension.
4. Was it difficult switching from competing at the Regional’s to competing against racers on the National circuit?
Ferreira - I didn't find it that difficult but I will say "I was a little nervous at first" however I was confident in my ability as I had raced against most of those competitors on the national scene before. Also, I was very surprised at the organization and how welcoming everyone was, it was very comforting.
5. Did you find it difficult having to learn new tracks everywhere you went the first season?
Ferreira – Yes, it was a very unnerving feeling in the beginning, as I had only ever been to Mosport and Shannonville. I was very fortunate to have a good team and good teammates whom luckily for me had been to most of the tracks and were able to give me pointers. But I still found that I wasn't always following them exactly because of my "point and shoot" racing style. I took one step at a time and only took off as much as I could chew. In the end I was able to post some good lap times at every track we visited.
6. This is your third year racing for BMW Motorrad Canada, how do you think you have lasted so long with the same team?
Ferreira – It’s true, I have been the longest standing rider with BMW and I think it’s because we understand each other and have similar goals. We have grown to become more than a rider / crew team and more of a family over the past 3 years. I am lucky to be with such a sought after factory team.
7. In your three years with BMW Motorrad you have had three different teammates. Is there any one thing that stands out the most about them?
Ferreira - I have been somewhat lucky in a way because of the experience that has come and gone under the BMW tent. I currently have a former superbike champion and believe it or not my former teacher as my teammate (Francis Martin, 2009). I have also had another superbike champion (Michael Taylor, 2007) as well as an Amateur 600cc Champion (Paul Glenn, 2008) as teammates. They have all taught me one thing; always give 110% because there is no such thing as trying harder next time.
8. By many insiders, the 2009 season is seen as a transition year for BMW Motorrad before jumping into Superbike action with the new S1000RR in 2010. How do you feel about this comment?
Ferreira - I was a little skeptical at first but it has proven to be very beneficial for me. I have noticed as this season progresses that I have improved as a developer as well as a rider.
9. Now that you are racing the BMW HP2 Sport against the Factory Japanese 600’s, do you approach each race differently than you did in 2008 when you raced in the Canadian Thunder Championship?
Ferreira - Absolutely, last year I was aiming for podiums every race. I was well aware just like the team that this was going to be a little more difficult considering the competition. So this year, although my ultimate goal is still to reach the podium and put the BMW on the box, I don't consider the weekend a failure if we are improving the bike and our lap times every race. That alone keeps me and the rest of the team very motivated.
10. What are your thoughts about the chance to race in Superbike with the new BMW S1000RR in 2010?
Ferreira - Ever since I started racing and watching the Nationals I have dreamed of being a factory superbike rider just like every other racer. Being on the BMW team has given me exactly what it’s like to be surrounded by a team of professionals who support you through and through at the racetrack. Now being at the top level would turn my ultimate dream into a reality with only a signature waiting on the horizon.
Francis Martin #16
1. Francis, you joined the BMW Motorrad team in 2009 after many years racing with Suzuki. How has the change of teams and bikes been so far?
Martin - I'm very happy to be part of the BMW team this year and I really hope to be here for a long time. The HP2 is a great bike to ride and it has the best sound on the track!
2. How has the transition from a Japanese in-line four machine to the BMW boxer been?
Martin – The change was very good, it’s a different bike to ride and I really like it. It was a big transition because I have never ridden a twin before let alone a BMW boxer but every session I go out, I improve my lap times. I'm getting use to the bike more and more.
3. Do you think you will have a hard time switching back to an in-line four engine from the twin you are using this year?
Martin - Going back to an in-line four is not going to be a problem at all since all of my riding experience up until this year has been on an in-line four.
4. What is your favorite thing about the BMW HP2 Sport? Is there anything you do not like about your race bike this year?
Martin - No, I like everything on the HP2 Sport, it’s a great bike. It is just too bad that the Canadian Thunder Championship is not there anymore to bring back the #1 plate to BMW.
5. Now that you are racing the BMW HP2 Sport against the Factory Japanese 600’s, do you approach each race differently than you did in 2008 when you raced in the Superbike Class?
Martin - My approach is always the same. I always give everything I have when I'm on the track. The Team expects it as do I of myself.
6. What is your favorite track to race on in Canada?
Martin - Like almost everybody that races on the national race circuit in Canada, Mosport.
7. How has your relationship been so far with the new team this year?
Martin - It feels just like home. All the people around the BMW Team are great people and we have a real good team atmosphere under the BMW tent.
8. How has your relationship been with your new teammate, Michael Ferreira?
Martin - I think we get along very well. Mike is a real good teammate to have.
9. What are your thoughts about the chance to race in Superbike with the new BMW S1000RR in 2010?
Martin - It is all I think about when looking forward to 2010. I am just hoping that BMW Motorrad Canada decides to enter superbike. I really want to be on that S1000RR next year. It’s the bike I need to be back on the top of the box again and to get the #1 plate in superbike.
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