Michel Fabrizio has had a decidedly underwhelming start to the 2009 Superbike World Championship season. After being one of the pre-season testing pace-setters, the Ducati Xerox rider has not only missed out on the podium in the four races so far but even picked up two zeros in Qatar.

We caught up with the young Italian to ask him what he thought about his season so far and prospects for Valencia.

"It's been rather a poor start to the season" admitted Fabrizio. "I was already a bit disappointed about not being able to get on the podium at Phillip Island, which I thought I could do, and this was followed by a negative day at Losail which complicated matters. Getting off to a good start this season was one of my aims, now I'm going to have to start all over again".

This year you were aiming to fight for the title. Is this a bit of a setback to your plans?

"Absolutely not! There are still lots of rounds remaining and plenty of points up for grabs so it's far too early to say. For sure in this championship every point counts and I've already got two zeros...but I've still got all my cards to play".

Are you impressed by Ben Spies?

"More than by the rider, I'm impressed by the bike. The Yamaha looks really strong and  seems very easy to take to the limit. But there are still a number of tracks where the Ducati will show its true worth".

And meanwhile your team-mate Haga is leading the championship....

"He hasn't done anything extraordinary so far but has been very good at not making any errors and accumulate as many points as possible. He has adapted well to the Ducati and has come away well from these two rounds. Nori and Spies are favourites for the title more than before but it's still wide-open".

Are you ready for Valencia?

"I like the Spanish track but it's not one of my favourites. Thanks to the help of my team I've regained my morale and at Valencia I'm determined to take home a load of points. There's a long way to go yet but from here on I mustn't make any mistakes".