Corti: I don't have a full year's budget

Claudio Corti was the surprise of winter testing, showing excellent speed after moving from a Suter to a Kalex chassis.  The start of the season didn't go as planned, however, and he failed to reproduce that testing pace until Le Mans, where he scored his first career podium. "I've never liked riding in the wet, and this track isn't my favorite, so finishing second today was incredible.  I still can't believe it," the Italian rider admitted.

What was the problem in the opening rounds?

"I knew that Qatar would be difficult, because it's a tough track and I have some vision problems when racing at night.  I was disappointed.  Jerez went a little better, but I was penalized by the interruption of the race for rain.  Estoril was a total disaster, and I had many problems."

But here?

"Everything went better here.  We immediately found a good setup for the wet. And to think that I was worried during qualifying, because I couldn't load the front end."

Was it an easy race?

"Not at all.  I started well, but then I was passed by several riders, and De Angelis crashed in front of me.  I tried to stay calm and maintain my pace.  Slowly but surely my tactic worked, I gained confidence and I began to make up positions."

You couldn't catch Luthi?

"I had a good pace, but I couldn't get him.  When Zarco crashed out, I relaxed a little and took home the result."

It must feel good for someone who almost missed out on a ride this season.

"Well the season isn't finished.  If I have to be honest, the budget for the full season still isn't there."

Hopefully the podium result can help with that situation.

Translation by Sean Sedacca