It seems like no time at all since Marco Melandri put pen to paper to agree to ride for the factory BMW team, but soon he will be lining up to race against the best in the world again in what is arguably the biggest team in the paddock. BMW recently sent out a release featuring an interview with Melandri, a condensed version of which follows here.

What were your first impressions of the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team?
"That it was very big! That was a bit unusual for me in the beginning. But now we are all working together, and trying to use the full potential of all the resources and people available to us."

What are your thoughts on the BMW S 1000 RR?
"I am happy with it. Before I tested it for the first time, some people made me very scared because I had some bad experiences with the Ducati in 2008. When I jumped on the bike for the first time I discovered some difficult areas, but I was also pleasantly surprised by many of its positives. During the test with the 2011 bike I saw that it is a ‘normal' bike without any pitfalls. We just need to take the pieces and put them together in the best way to provide the optimal package. Of course it was a lot of work over the winter, and we will see how long it takes us to have this optimal package. However, I am happy about the bike and about how it feels, so I am very confident. I think good confidence is the only thing a rider needs to be fast."

How well do you get on with Leon Haslam?
"We get on very well. I have known him since the time I lived fairly close to him in England. I think it is good for the team for us to be team-mates because it means we can push each other, which is good for results. We do have different riding styles, but we have agreed on what changes to make to the bike so that we can work in the same direction in order to move the team forward."

What are your personal strengths - and weaknesses?
"I always try to improve myself in those areas where I have weaknesses. That is not always easy. One of my strengths is that in races I am always stronger compared to testing and practice. I don't know why. I'm a racer. I love racing, and as soon as a race starts I always try to give it a bit more than in practice."

What is your target for the 2012 season?
"To have fun. When I am fast I score good results - and I always enjoy doing that. That is why that is my target. I would like to have some good fights, score good results and feel good on the bike. Then it is a lot of good fun - and the good results will also be there."