SBK, Sofuoglu: the defeat has motivated me further

Before leaving for Qatar, Kenan Sofuoglu went for a very important medical check-up during which doctors spoke frankly: “Mr Sofuoglu, you are not completely healed. It won't be us to decide whether you ride the bike or not of course, but it's only right to inform you that you risk death”.

Such a warning would be enough to dull anyone's enthusiasm, but for a fighter like Kenan the surgeon's words only served to transform a spark into a burning flame, that of passion: “I could have stayed at home, in front of the TV - comments Sofuoglu- but the desire to try and race was too strong, so I decided to go. Now I can say I'm pleased to have done so, the race was very positive, the podium gave us second in the championship. I gave it my all at Losail, for me and for team Puccetti”.

It seems as if the Turk finds his strength in the tough times, and having lost the title (also) due to injury has done nothing to damage his physical and mental skin, on the contrary: “I'm already thinking about 2018. I have time to get back into shape now and will work hard with the team over winter. The next goal is the same, I want to win the title with the Kawasaki”.

Lucas Mahias had some kind words for his rival…

“Yes, and I'm very grateful to him. The battle with Mahias was tough but fair, in the end he won and that's a great thing for the sport. To have new champions is good for motorcycling, because the fans are looking for new things”.

Was losing the championship more painful than your injuries?

“No, the opposite in fact. Losing the championship hasn't demoralised me, far from it. From defeat comes a new, strong motivation to do better and win again”.

Where do you find the strength to always be so positive and focused?

“There is no real motivation. I simply love what I do, I love motorcycling. I like working with the team and I love riding the bike. When I'm on it every difficulty melts away, loving the bike motivates me to do more, in any condition”.

Can you imagine a future without racing?

"Step by step, by career is coming closer to the end but for now I'm focusing on enjoying what I do. Racing a bike is the best thing there is and, when I announce my retirement, I'll remain in this world. I have many young riders to train - I want to transmit my passion to them".