I’d almost set aside racing in 2005, when suddenly I got a call from Kawasaki to replace Alex Hoffman who was injured in Portugal during a town centre publicity event. After just a few minutes of thinking I gave them my agreement and jumped on a plane to China.

It was my first experience of a ‘big bang’ engine on Bridgestone tyres and what a pleasure to ride. The Kawasaki was very well balanced and to my surprise was even more fun in the rain which I do not particularly like. Nobody expected me to do so well including myself for that matter, I was leading and battling with Rossi (he had no ‘OJ’ for his pitboard for example!)

My second place in China remains a special memory, because that was my first podium in MotoGP and the project leader was Yoda with whom I'd already won the 250 title in 2000 with Yamaha Tech 3. There was a huge explosion of joy from my team, the look on the faces of all the engineers and mechanics, it was a very strong emotional moment in my career!

Following this performance Kawasaki asked me to stay at their side as a development rider until 2009 when they decided to end their involvement in MotoGP. I lived closely with the factory and it remains a great opportunity in my career, which was very intense and gave great personal satisfaction.

My only disappointment is that they have decided to stop everything but nonetheless I think that those experiences helped the factory get to where they are now- a WSB title!

Today I take care of my family and I'm in the real estate business in Spain, which occupies me enough. I always have time for sports, including kite surfing… it hurts less than on a bike when we fall! I am still involved in Peace and Sport Partnerships occasionally, because for me sport instilled in me the essential values of life.