P96
"I'd say I'm happy with where I'm
at," Roberts told Cycle News on the
eve of the German Grand Prix. "I'm
probably in the best position I've been
in my career. Like the happiest team
I've been in, and the happiest I've
been with the team. If I could look at
the season, I'd like to have had more.
It would've been nice to win. But I
don't think we've been too far away,
man. We've been close in some
races, made a couple of mistakes,
like at Le Mans. I'm just trying to be
more consistent. I've matured a lot
this year, trying to not let the pressure
build up.
"In the past if I had bad results, it
would really affect me quite badly. Not
that I'm perfect in that department.
After Barcelona I wasn't too happy with
things. But you keep working and try
to see the positives. Overall, we have a
really strong package this year. There
is still a lot of racing to do and still a lot
of chances to show what I can do and
what this team is capable of."
Roberts has found
a comfortable
home at Italtrans,
although he admits
learning Italian
would help.
Late into his breakthrough season
in 2020, when the 24-year-old be-
came a regular top-six threat in Moto2
and scorer of three pole positions
and a debut podium, Roberts caused
a stir by leaving the American Racing
Team and signing for Italtrans, home
of MotoGP-bound Enea Bastianini,
who went on to win last year's cham-
pionship. The Italian setup welcomed
him onboard, believing Roberts'
smooth riding style and upward
trajectory would fit perfectly with their
bike setup.
Portugal was a
good one. Roberts
would have been
on the podium were
it not for Gardner
(behind) helping
him off with two
corners to go.
INTERVIEW I ROAD RACER JOE ROBERTS
