Danny Buchan - Q&A

Danny Buchan has switched from the departing MSS Kawasaki squad to join Chris Walker at Quattro Plant Kawasaki for his first full BSB season.

Crash.net caught up with the 19-year-old former Superstock title contender for a brief chat during the MCN Bike Show in London...

Crash.net:
Danny, this is your first full season in the British Superbike Championship; you had a great debut with the MSS Kawasaki squad at Cadwell Park last season nearly scoring a podium, what are your realistic expectations for 2013?

Danny Buchan:
Realistically, I want to be a consistent top-ten qualifier. With some performances last year, there was some bad luck and also with me not getting 100% on my part, just not getting things right and being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This year Quattro Plant Kawasaki has put together a great package and with some positive results last year and the experience of Stalker [Chris Walker] - realistically, the package is good enough for the showdown.

I am fitter than ever, I have been working out and I am physically stronger for this season, I have also been riding motocross over the winter so we are in good shape for this year. Top six is a real possibility, it will also fall down to how the championship unfolds.

Crash.net:
What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are on the bike, where are you strong and where can you improve?

Danny Buchan:
My weakness is that I am tall, but it can work both ways, someone small would help in getting good straight-line speed, whereas I can muscle the bike round the corner.

I get to ride this year's bike for the first time at the Donington Park test, so we will see what it's like then.

Crash.net:
How do you think this year's bike will compare to the MSS Kawasaki from last year?

Danny Buchan:
They will be similar, but the Quattro Plant guys have put a few bits on it. I don't really know much about the ins and outs of the bike, my job is to ride it. I see it and I get on it. I let the team and mechanics look after the actual bike side of things.

Crash.net:
Has your experienced team-mate, Chris Walker, been helping you and passing on any tips and advice onto you?

Danny Buchan:
Yes, he actually followed me at Brands Hatch and said 'look, you are carrying way too much speed into the corners, try a slower approach in.' We haven't worked together too much this year as testing and racing has not yet started, so at the moment it is just banter, but I have been riding around his motocross track and that has been helping.

Crash.net:
Do you plan to go into road racing anytime in the future?

Danny Buchan:
Not yet, but I would like to do the TT parade lap just for experience and see what it is like. I'm only 19 years old, a bit young to do the TT, but Cal Crutchlow said that towards the end of his career that he would like to do it, so maybe that is my take on it. My Dad has said he wouldn't support me doing it at my age and I wouldn't like to do it yet. I am too young.

By Dexter Fielding