Rabat: Last two tracks have choked us, very bad start to the season

Tito Rabat’ switch from MotoGP to WorldSBK has been far from ideal, as P9 in race one at Estoril remains his best result. 

In fact, Rabat’s only top ten finishes from 12 races both came during the Portuguese round - tenth in race two. The former Moto2 world champion has also suffered the most DNF’s of any rider on the grid. 

The transition to Superbike machinery after 16 full seasons as a Grand Prix rider has been the main issue. Following last weekend’s round four at Donington, Rabat said the last two rounds have ‘choked us’, and compounded problems that already existed from the outset of this year. 

Rabat said: "At the beginning we started with a lot of problems and the last two tracks have choked us, I still don't understand why. 

"We did a test at Misano which was much better, and here at Donington Park, you can't draw good conclusions. 

"You have to wait a little bit, be patient and try to get the most out of each weekend."

In tough times such as these - similar experiences he's had when competiting in MotoGP, Rabat uses his home to remain motivated before each round when results aren’t coming - something ‘you get used to over the years’.

"If we have to speak seriously, it is clear that it is being a bad start to the season, very bad; It's no wonder the work I do at home is reflected here on the track, and there is no other option but to arm myself with patience and be calm," added Rabat.  

"The spirits? You get used to it over the years, if the results don't come, you find the motivation at home to get to the circuit motivated, you leave here trying not to leave unmotivated and continue. 

"Above all, it is about having a lot of self-confidence because in the end it is the most important thing. 

"I know that I go fast, and I am 100% of my possibilities in everything, and little else."