We have retired three years in a row.
Something has to change.
Since the race last year, we have made major changes in everything we can for this season.
The very first thing was changing myself.
Then we made major changes to the team as well.
From the technical side, we needed stronger tires and a stronger engine, and both Bridgestone and Honda have been supporting us.
But honestly, it is still not enough!
This upcoming test is the most important one of all.
I’m even more nervous about it than I am before a race.

The photo shows a friend who bought a motorcycle from Kosaka-san during my last trip to Japan.
Both of them worked with TSR back in my father’s era.
Seeing them again for the first time in decades was deeply moving.