Fabio, you have worked with Josh since 2002, how did you feel when you knew he would be signing for Yamaha and an Italian team at the end of 2006?
Good! I was very happy for several reasons, one to come back to my country after some years in the UK, two, that I would keep on working with Josh, and three, to be able to work with the Rinaldis; a team with a fantastic record and reputation. When you see how many titles they have won then it was an exciting move.

How was the transition period from your old team to Yamaha Motocross Team?
At first I found the set-up quite different, but more organised. It took a bit of time to get used to the system but no problems!

And working with different machinery?
Actually this was quite tricky. A bike is a bike but every motorcycle has a different way to work, a different character and this can produce different problems! You need to learn the bike and figure it out. Basic maintenance jobs are the same but you learn the priorities with regards to what the bike really needs. Josh settled in the team immediately and we were doing very well...it was just disappointing how the year ended.

How does the set-up work in the team?
Michele Rinaldi is the boss and Mino Raspanti takes care of the mechanics and the organisation of the team. He is also the person solving any problems whether with parts, supplies, logistics or technical. We are a small crew but it works well. The ideas and suggestions for the bikes are made in collaboration.

You have a long relationship with Josh...
Yes, we started working together in 2002 and at the end of the year he moved to a British team. He asked me if I would like to go along and I took the chance to move from Italy. It was hard to leave home but to be honest Josh has paid me back with what he has done in the last few seasons. We had a good feeling between us right-away. I always give him 100% and he does the same. I went to an English school in Italy and my English was not great when we started together, but it was enough to survive in a Grand Prix paddock and have a conversation. Obviously living in England I improved!

What are Josh`s strong and weak points?
Josh never gives up, that is his strong point; he is a really tough guy. I`m not sure about weak points; I think for 2009 he needs to improve his starts! Josh is quite good at figuring out any problems with the bike and I have no worries for his ability when it comes to technical issues. He is a good test rider and places a lot of trust in me for any ideas I have. He doesn`t ask for too much and is great to work with.

It must have been very hard for you especially at the end of 2007 when the title slipped away...
This is true; for sure it was the lowest moment in my career. It was a sad time, there is not much more to say! I was happy when Josh signed to stay another year for the team because we have unfinished business.

Apart from winning what is the best part of the job?
I think it would have to be the creativity. Every day something different can happen and the process of thinking and trying to get any improvement for the bike and the results is challenging. It is a pro-active and stimulating job. The worst part is all the travelling!