Paginas Amarillas HP40’s Luis Salom reflects on his season so far, his aims for the rest of 2015, and takes a summer 'test'.

Salom currently sits 13th in the Moto2™ World Championship standings with 36 points, after managing to score points in four races, and registering a best placed finish of fifth at both Mugello and Barcelona:

What is your assessment of the first half of the season?

“I expected more really. In some races I have been battling at the front, but I could only get two top six finishes, with the two fifths in Italy and Catalunya, which is much less than we expected. I have had several crashes during the races that were not my fault which have prevented me finishing better, so I am not very satisfied. Anyway, that is racing, sometimes you have good luck, and sometimes bad. Fortunately, despite these crashes, I have not picked up any serious injuries.”

What have you been doing over the summer break?

“I have been working hard so that I can arrive at Indianapolis in peak condition. The first week I used to recover from the bad weekend I had in Germany, where another rider ran over me in Free Practice on Friday. Now I am back training hard, and I will spend some time in Cartagena and Mallorca training on the beach.”

What goals have you set yourself for the second half of the season?

“I want to be as strong as possible for Indianapolis so I can fight for the race win. I would always like to be in the top ten. When you are fighting for the win, you always have the chance of picking up podiums and even the victory. If a weekend is not so good, I need to make sure I am still in the top ten and picking up vital points.”

With nine races remaining, are there any you are particularly are looking forward to?

“The truth is no. I like all the circuits and I have no problems with any of them. Nor do I have a favourite track. After a difficult start to the season, any track would be a good place to achieve my first podium of the season, or even my first Moto2™ victory.”

This is the second season in Moto2™, how does it compare to the first?

“I think it is pretty similar to be honest. Some things, such as the tyres have improved a bit, but overall the level of the championship is pretty similar. We have some new rivals, and some who have made a step forward, but in the World Championships, the level is always very high.”

What do you think of the 2015 MotoGP™ season?

“Very interesting! After Marquez dominated last year on the Honda, it’s been good to see more riders fighting for the win this year. It’s great to see the Yamaha’s doing battle with the Ducati and Honda’s, and I think the title will not be decided until the end of the season.”

Finally, a summer test:

Beach or mountain? Beach

Ice Cream or ice drinks? Depending on the time!

Surf Shorts or speedos? Neither, I wear shorts that aren’t too short or too long!

Blondes or brunettes? Blondes

Training outdoors or in the gym? It depends on the moment and time, but if I can, outdoors…

Road bike or mountain bike? Road

Your favourite beach? A place that is more than a beach, has excellent rocks and is good for fishing and fun is Santanyi, Mallorca.

Sunglasses or hat? Cap

PS4 or Xbox? Neither, I don’t play many video games