Q: So, Jimmy, how are you finding Europe ?

JIMMY: It's definitely different to the United States, a lot more laid-back, not so wild. Life seems a little more calmed down, the Italians in particular seem really laid back. But the fans over here go crazy at the race. I did one race in Spain; there weren't so many riders and I just figured it would be a small race, but it was insane, thousands of fans turned up. It was pretty unreal. It's definitely a lot different over here, but I'm liking, that's for sure.

Q: Was there just you and Gregg in Spain, or did anyone else from the team come along ?

JIMMY: Thomas, the team's training mechanic, was with us and of course Alessandro (Battig), my teammate. Paolo (Martin – team owner) came in every now and again (from Italy) and Lorenzo (Resta – team manager) also came down once.

Q: How was the training camp with John van den Berk ?

JIMMY: I'm positive we had a really good programme going, riding five times a week, and it was really easy to do my training programme in the gym. Everything was right there where we were staying. Of course I'm used to that back home; where I stay in Oklahoma with Trey Canard, it's a full-on training facility with gym included so it really wasn't much of a change. But it was nice to have everything available over here too. It was nice weather in Spain too, and good working with John. I'm pretty sure we got a lot out of it. And I had a 2009 factory bike with my suspension on it down there too; that's my practice bike.

Q: How are you finding it driving over here ?

JIMMY: Honestly I haven't driven a vehicle since I been here. Thomas took us everywhere, so nothing to worry about. I can drive a manual, they just don't let me drive. I don't think it's so different though; you're not allowed to overtake on the shoulder in the States either ! (Thomas had clearly pointed out that certain aspects of Italian driving which the boys have witnessed are not legal.)

Q: So how has it been since you got to Italy ?

JIMMY: It's been raining quite a lot here, and it's definitely a little bit colder than Spain, but we got some really good practice. We found a track that was dry enough to ride, and I need to get some mud practice anyway, so it's not that big of a deal. But I definitely hope the weather warms up a little.

Q: Is it a good thing Gregg is here with you ?

JIMMY: Definitely. We've always been together, and we've been having a blast over here.

Q: Gregg, tell us how you got roped into this trip ?

GREGG: We're 20 months apart and grew up just doing it for fun, and by the time we were 12/13 years old, that was when we got pretty close to being the same speed, and on the big bikes we actually started riding the novice class together. Then I got hurt bad and realised that I didn't have the capabilities to do it at the level these guys are at.

As soon as I could drive, me and Jimmy just hit the road. I would still ride for fun, but I ended up spending more time on the bikes, simply because he was breaking stuff and we had to fix it on the road. I kinda fell into it accidentally. It started out going out having fun, and that's where we still are now in a way.

Q: Finally, Jimmy, I see you got number 702 in the end after all.

JIMMY: Yeah, I wanted it. It's kinda my number, I don't know anybody else who ever had it. It's me, it's not somebody else. I don't want the people to be reminded of another rider, I want people to say, „Heah, 702, that's Jimmy Albertson !“