Interview with James Ellison
Bikeanimal.com: Hi James, how does it feel knowing you'll be back racing in the UK?
James Ellison: I'm really excited. I've been in middle of nowhere for the past year, so I've been doing my homework! I'm really looking forward to getting back to some of my favourite circuits, including Cadwell Park, it's a great one for the spectators, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch too.
BA: Do you think that you've learnt anything from your time in America?
JE: Definitely, the circuits are similar to the ones in the UK, they're fairly stop-start whereas in Europe and a lot of the MotoGP circuits they're incredibly quick and flowing. I obviously learnt to battle with a different set of guys, and that always stands you in good stead for the future.
BA: Do you think that you've got an advantage over the rest of the lads having competed in MotoGP?
JE: The only advantage I can see is that I've had experience at the top level with the best equipment and the best personnel. You learn at the top level to work with your team, and it's something I can use this time around. I'm not sure whether that will put me at an immediate advantage, but I'm sure it helps. I've learnt a lot over the past few years, but the main thing is that I know now that you've got to work very closely with your team if you want to be successful.
BA: What attracted you to the Bike Animal Hydrex Honda team?
JE: They expressed their interest towards the end of last year, but initially I wanted to stay in America, so I didn't really follow that up. So when I decided that I wanted to come back to the UK and I heard that Shaun's team were interested, (Shaun Muir, Hydrex Bike Animal Honda team owner) I was really excited about it. I was worried because I thought that there might not be any good teams left, but I'm happy with the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda team. Shaun is very experienced and all the technical aspects of the bike are how I would like them to be. The way the rules have been changed means that it's easier for a privateer team to compete with the big boys.
BA: What are your ambitions for this year?
JE: I'd be disappointed if I wasn't top six every weekend. I know that there's six to eight factory bikes out there so I know it's going to be difficult. But I'm confident, the team's confident and everything's as it's meant to be.
BA: Thanks a lot James, and good luck for next season.
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