Where does your motorbike passion come from?
My passion for motorbike comes from my family. My father was a motorbike repairman. I grew up in his repair shop. Racing also comes from the family. My late brothers were racers too. They had a big influence on me. I started racing in small classes in Turkey. After racing in the Turkish championship, I decided to try my chance in Europe as there were no more rivals in Turkey. I participated in the Europe championship in Germany, and then made it into the World championship. In 2007, I became world champion for the first time.
When did you decide to be a motorcycle racer?
When I was 14-15 years old, during high school, I made my decision to be a motorbike racer.
How was the reaction from your family?
My family was already familiar with this sport. Many of my relatives were riding motorbike. Since my father was a mechanic and my brothers were racers, it was not a surprise for my family and friends. Of course as it becomes more and more serious, my parents had some difficulties. It is a very costly sport. But when I went to Germany, it became easier as I found sponsors.
You lost two brothers who were racers. Have you ever considered quitting this sport for your family?
I grieved for many losses in my life. In 2002, I lost my elder brother. He was a motorbike racer but he died in a car accident while he was crossing over. After that in 2008, my other brother died in a motorcycle crash. Both of them were only 24 when they passed away. You never know where death catches you. According to our belief, we take the necessary measures and leave the rest to Allah. If your end comes, nothing can prevent it. Therefore, I did not consider quitting, death can catch me anywhere. Of course my mother was not happy about this. She wanted me to quit, especially after the loss of my brother. But she knew very well that motorbike racing is my passion, my life. I did not reach this point easily, that is why she accepted this and always supported me.
If your son wants to be a racer, would you support him?
Of course. I would be happy if he decides to be a motorbike racer. This is something that you can do only if you are passionate about it. I would support him if his dream is being a racer.
You are four-time world champion. What is next? Is there a higher level?
I do not have any further goals. I will continue racing for a few more years, and try to become champion again. After that I will quit. I have been supporting young talents in Turkey, after quitting I will take care of their careers. I achieved everything I dreamed of. Now it is time to work for the future champions of my country.
Is there any age limit?
No, I am still young. I am 31 now. In this field usually 35 is considered a retirement age. You can continue until 45, I still have time, but my intention is to continue for 2-3 more years. I became world champion four times; of course I want win it for a fifth time. When I am financially sound enough, I will quit.
Is it a financially satisfying job?
If you are racing in the world championship, you make money. But, in lower categories you do not. It was very challenging for me during my first few years. I don’t come from a rich family, motor bikers in Turkey are not rich, it is a very small field. You start making money as you race in higher categories.
Why don’t you race in MotoGP?
Of course I could do that. But today in order to race in SuperSport category, you need approximately 1 million euro. For MotoGP, it is 15-20 million. We do not have a brand or sponsor who can afford to pay such money in Turkey. The most suitable category is SuperSport for me.
How about government support?
In order to race in MotoGP, you have to start at a very early age. Also your home country has to be familiar with this sport, you need sponsors who can support you. As a country, you should have a good infrastructure to host big championships. Turkey is still far from this point. We need 5-10 years to reach that point. If I ask my prime minister or president they would support me. But I do not want it for myself. I am already 31, that is something for younger racers. I will devote myself to preparing young talents for MotoGP in the future.
What is your must-do before a race?
I never start racing without performing ablution. I also call my mother before any race to ask her blessing.
If you were not a motorbike racer, what would you be doing now?
I cannot imagine myself somewhere else. It was my dream job since my childhood. But I think I would be a motorbike mechanic like my father, if I were not a racer.
Do you ride motorbike in your daily life?
Not really. I usually drive a car. Sometimes, especially when there is traffic jam in Istanbul, I ride my motorbike but not very often.
What was your most challenging race?
I had to go to Italy for a race when my 2 month old son was in intensive care. I do not have the luxury to say “Oh, I can race next week.” If you are in the middle of a season, you have to participate in all the races. If you miss one race, the whole year would be wasted. My family and the doctors told me that “you have nothing to do here. We are taking care of your son. You go for three days and come back.” I went there and, thank God, won the race. My son, Hamza, was a great source of strength in that race. I told myself that “If I leave my son in the hospital and come to this race, I have to win.” Thank God I was declared champion at the end of the season, but we lost our child. To Allah we belong and to him we will return...
The Peninsula
