I dig having my family and friends at the GP’s and I hope that they feel the same way! Maybe after all these years they don’t but I hope they do because I like having them there.

“I keep calling everyone like ‘you’re still coming right?’ and most of them come back every year so I think they enjoy it but it would be nice to win so they want to come back next year too.

I know it’s my home track but it’s a lot different for the GP, you don’t have your team-mates or the club there, it’s just you and your mechanics and the guys in your circle. I don’t want to think of it as an advantage because I have to treat it like any other GP,” he said.

“A lot of other guys have plenty of experience at that track and the conditions could be totally different to normal, you can’t bank on having any advantage. I have been scoring some good points there this year and we’ve got a good set-up but just like with any race you have to get there and see how things play out.

“I feel good at the moment and my bikes are strong, I know they’re quick so now it’s down to me to put them in the right places on the track. I always try to be a step ahead and we’re always working and testing to get even better and even faster. I never like to sit still and wait for things to happen – you have to make them happen.