We would like to introduce you to a young and talented BRITISH rider, Danny Webb from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. He has kindly agreed for us to interview him and follow him on only his third season in the 125cc Class of the Motogps.
He is a Dorna academy graduate and at only 17 he has already made a mark in the world of Motogp’s.
Where did you finish in your first Grand Prix?
I finished 13th in wet conditions at the Japanese Grand Prix of 2007.
Did you switch machines for the new season?
Yes I changed from a Honda to an Aprillia.
How did the new season of 2008 start?
I qualified in 5th place which I was really happy with and went on to finish 6th in the first Grand Prix.
What was your career best throughout the season?
Well, it was two races later in Portugal where I finishing 5th.
What happened following this as your confidence must have been soaring?
Yes, but at China I crashed out in 8th place in wet conditions and then in France the red flags came out and it all ended up as a five lap dash of real close racing where I finished down in 21st.
What happened in Mugello?
I didn’t finish Mugello but finished 11th at the next GP in Catalunya
What injury did you suffer at the British Grand Prix?
I crashed and broke my shoulder on the first lap.
When did you return back?
Well I couldn’t compete at the next round of the Dutch Grand Prix but came back for the German Grand Prix although I didn’t finish it or the following two races.
Did the season get any better for you?
At Misano, Italy I finished 14th and then at Indianapolis we raced in a hurricane and I blew in 15th. Then during training I re-broke my shoulder on a Motor Cross Bike.
Did you still race in Japan though despite your injury?
Yes, I finished 10th .
Why did you not race in Australia?
My injuries prevented me.
Your bad luck did not stop there though did it?
No, in Malaysia I qualified 3rd on the front row but my bike wouldn’t start up on the grid and I was given a penalty drive through. I retired from the race a few laps later.
What happened at the final Grand Prix?
I qualified 13th cause we had some mechanical problems and then I crashed in the race.
Where did you finish overall in the World Championship Results?
Overall I was 19th.
To summarise, how do you feel last years season went?
I was pleased with the start of the season but came back too soon from my broken shoulder at Donington and then the motocross accident made it even harder to catch up with my fitness.
What have you been doing during the off season?
All I have been doing is training, at the end of last year I was doing a lot of Motocross but then as the weather worsened I concentrated on the Gym, swimming and running on most days. I feel a lot fitter than last year as I have had the help of my brother who is also a qualified personal trainer.
What bike are you riding this season?
The team are staying with Aprillia and are using a new factory Aprillia which is one of fourteen on the grid.
What pre-season testing have you got planned?
There is a possibility of being at Assen at the beginning of March if the team is ready with the bike, if not then the official Aprillia Test will be on the 15th March in Portugal then at Jerez at the end of March.
My goal is to be World Champion. I have a great team and a great bike so anything can happen.
I’m sure you will agree his final results did not reflect the impressive riding he has shown throughout his 2008 roller coaster season. What an incredible young guy he is, with guts, determination and a promising future ahead of him. We look forward to catching up with him again very soon. Don’t miss lots more to come on our very own Danny Webb.
