Already a winner this year on the legendary circuits of Assen, Imola and Brno, Jules won in a magnificent way on Sunday in front of his fans at Magny-cours, thus coming back to just 11 points behind the leader of the World Championship Cortese while he Only two tests remain.
After Sandro Cortese unintentionally made you fall during the previous race at Portimao, what state of mind were you in arriving at Magny-Cours?
“I was just happy to come and race and ride in front of all the French fans. I took that positively. I wanted to see what our level of competitiveness would be on this Magny-Cours track. I was just impatient. »
Were you worried that the Portimao incident would happen again in the race?
“Yes, we can never be sure that it could happen again, of course. Now I think that Sandro hasn't been far from the correctional system, and that has made him a little more attentive to this type of situation. And the Race Direction too. »
Did you have a margin over your three main rivals in the race?
“I think so because it’s always easier to follow than to lead a race. And the pace set was quite fast, so I was happy because it was me who set it. I had already won three races this year, but I think this was the quickest. »
Because we didn't really know while watching the race if the others were threatening you or if you had a little leeway.
“I set a fairly strong pace, and the others could follow. Now I think that if Sandro or someone else overtook me, I could pass him quite quickly, so I was still good. I felt this when I looked at my times and noticed that I was managing to progress throughout the race in terms of pace. Basically, behind it followed, but not that easily. »
This is your fourth victory at Magny-Cours in the Supersport World Championship. Why do you like this circuit so much?
“I can't say I like him that much. It's a circuit that works well for me with a 600. Now other circuits work well for me too. It's difficult to answer this question. In the wet it went well, in the dry and on the mixed too. There's definitely something there, but I can't really explain it. It's not really a route that I like more than others. »
There are two races left, in Argentina and Qatar, and you are 11 points behind World Championship leader Cortese. What will your strategy be?
" The attack ! The same thing I was able to do this weekend: attack, attack and have fun. I think we found something positive on the bike this weekend, so I'm pretty happy. After the long summer break, this race has pumped me up and I am highly motivated. »
What can you tell us about your next season in 2019? Are you staying in Supersport?
“I can't say anything yet and I'm sorry. In a short month, you will know more. »
Photos © Pirelli
