World Superbikes: Max Biaggi - "It looks like you're stuck with me for another year!"

Two days after signing to ride for the GMB Sterilgarda Ducati team in World Superbikes, Max Biaggi has spoken exclusively to MCN about his new squad.

The 36-year-old Italian parted company with the factory Alstare Suzuki team and up until last week looked out of options to stay in World Superbikes before a deal was brokered between Max Biaggi, Sterilgarda Ducati Team and series organiser FG Sport.

Max Biaggi’s move to join the privateer Ducati squad has surprised a lot of people as given the Italian’s history he would be more suited to a full factory team that are more capable of meeting his demands.

However Max Biaggi is undeterred by the stature of his new squad and maintains he’ll be riding in 2008 because he’s a motorcycle racer and he wants to race.

Max Biaggi said: “It looks like you guys will be stuck with me for another year! I have been able to make an agreement with the GMB Ducati team and I am happy to be back next year.

“I have a good feeling about being team-mates with Ruben Xaus and I think he likes the fact too. Speaking from my point of view I think this rider combination can be very good.”

In his rookie World Superbikes season, Max Biaggi won three races and stood on the podium an incredible 17 times out of 25 races. His ability to learn the bike, tyres and tracks has been seriously impressive making him a title contender regardless of him being on a privateer bike.

He said: “I understand that we have been competitive in our first year, but next year I will be riding a new bike and working in a new team with new people so it will be difficult once again, but at least I know the tracks.”

• Check out next week’s MCN (November 7, 2007) for the biggest new motorcycle issue featuring 23 new bikes