Es ist relativ hart für mich, weil alles neu ist. Ich bin heuer draufgekommen, dass mir in manchen Bereichen doch noch etwas Erfahrung fehlt.
LAOLA1: So, what is your goal for this weekend?
Rammerstorfer: I want to show what I'm capable of. If I perform to my potential, a point is possible. If I can keep the gap to the leaders within one second on a single lap, I'd also be happy – or if I get into Q2. But it's also important for me to improve a bit every weekend. I've been doing that relatively well so far. The level is simply very high.
LAOLA1: You managed to score points in Thailand and France. What's your conclusion on your rookie season so far?
Rammerstorfer: Nothing is given to you for free! It's relatively tough for me because everything is new. This year, I've realized that I still lack some experience in certain areas. Especially regarding the bike's technology, there are some things I need to significantly improve. I can certainly improve my riding technique as well. I've now brought Jonas Folger (German ex-MotoGP rider, Ed.) on board. It's good to have a professional racer by your side who sees things differently than you do.
LAOLA1: How did the collaboration with Jonas Folger come about?
Rammerstorfer: I mustered the courage, called him, and asked if he would help me. He was immediately very motivated. We tried it for the first time in Misano, and I liked it very much.
LAOLA1: How does he support you on a race weekend?
Rammerstorfer: We discuss the plan for each session in the morning. He then stands out on the track and observes how both I and my competitors are riding. Together with the team, he makes sure that the best possible outcome is achieved for me and that I improve from session to session.
LAOLA1: Will he accompany you for the rest of the season?
Rammerstorfer: He's unlikely to be at the overseas races, but he will be at the final two Grand Prix in Europe. Then we hope to negotiate a good deal for next year.
LAOLA1: That sounds like you already know where you'll be riding next year.
Rammerstorfer: Yes, it will be announced on Saturday what my future will look like.
LAOLA1: Will your future still be in Moto3?
Rammerstorfer: Yes, I can reveal that much.
LAOLA1: Congratulations! Your promotion to Moto3 was only confirmed at the end of January. How did that come about?
Rammerstorfer: There had already been talks during the last season. Ultimately, Noah Dettwiler's injury (the Swiss rider sustained serious injuries in a pile-up before last year's Malaysian Grand Prix, Ed.) was probably the decisive factor. The team was looking for a rider and probably thought: Let's put an Austrian on the bike.
LAOLA1: The flag colours are identical, after all.
Rammerstorfer: Exactly. (laughs) My father, who also manages me, really put in the effort and brokered the deal. It was certainly the best option for me because you learn an incredible amount here.
Das ist eine Challenge für sich. Die Connections und Aufmerksamkeit aufzubauen, ist sehr schleppend verlaufen.
LAOLA1: How quickly things can change is evident not only in Noah Dettwiler's case. Your compatriot Jakob Rosenthaler faced an existential threat at the beginning of January after almost all his racing equipment was destroyed in a major fire. Do you have to consider yourself lucky when – as in your case – such an opportunity arises two months before the start of the season?
Rammerstorfer: It's also the result of hard work. I've known Jakob for a long time; we were also teammates. My father and I had it a bit tougher than him back then. Today, we have a very good network of partners and sponsors, which ultimately makes a difference. Racing is one thing, but there's much more to it.
LAOLA1: As an Austrian in the Motorcycle World Championship, you're a unique selling point. How difficult was it to get the necessary support for the long journey here?
Rammerstorfer: That's a challenge in itself. Building connections and attention was a very slow process. In Moto3, it's working relatively well now, but it used to be very arduous. We had very good sponsors from the beginning, but in the end, you have to keep pushing every day to get support.
LAOLA1: And athletically: How big was the difference between the Red Bull Rookies Cup and Moto3?
Rammerstorfer: In the Rookies Cup, it's simple: You show up and try to ride as fast as possible. Every rider has the same equipment and the same technicians. Then you come to Moto3, where many more things are crucial. Fitness becomes even more important, as does teamwork with the team. It also becomes even more important what material is available to you. How you cope with such a season physically and mentally is also a challenge. It's significantly more intense than anything I've experienced before. Even more challenges are coming your way. But the ultimate goal remains the same: to ride around the track as fast as possible.
LAOLA1: Max Quiles is particularly good at that. He has won six of the 14 races so far and has been on the podium a total of twelve times. What makes him so strong?
Rammerstorfer: He has a very good environment. Being around the Marquez brothers and having them support you is certainly not a disadvantage. He also rides for one of the best teams and is blessed with great talent. That's the best possible combination.
Nach allem, was ich in dieser Saison gesehen habe, gibt es für mich auf dieser Welt nichts Vergleichbares mit Spielberg.
LAOLA1: How big are the differences between the teams actually?
Rammerstorfer: It's hard for me to judge because I only know my own team. But if every rider has their own crew chief, it's certainly better than sharing one. That's a fact. If you ride for a team with a large budget and not one that has to turn every Euro over more than once, that's also an advantage. I do believe there are differences between the teams. Because talent and hard work are put in by everyone who moves around in this paddock.
LAOLA1: The Motorcycle World Championship in Spielberg has a new date this year. For the first time, it will be raced in mid-September. How do you assess this change?
Rammerstorfer: It's certainly not a mistake to try something new for once. You always gain new insights when you change something. In principle, I believe that we must appreciate what we have at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. It was recently even named the best race track in the world in terms of fan experience – that speaks volumes. After everything I've seen this season, there's nothing comparable to Spielberg for me in this world. There are air and motocross shows, and a lot is offered even in the evening. That is unique, and I hope the fans truly appreciate it.
LAOLA1: Thank you for the interview - and good luck this weekend!
