English
Italiano
The world championship can wait. Vittoriano Guareschi has no desire to come back, and after finishing his adventure with the Sky Racing TeamVR46 he has decided to dedicated himself to his family and family business with his brother Gianfranco. Racing is still in his DNA though, and Sunday afternoon is still spent watching the races on TV.
Vittoriano, you haven't been in the garages for a while. Don't you miss it?
“Not really, also because I needed a break. A championship season takes up a lot of time and now I can finally spend time with my nearest and dearest. I haven't given up bikes of course, I race with my brother and often speak with other GP riders or staff".
You compete in the Italian Endurance Vintage championship.
“Exactly, I race with Gianfranco, riding a Moto Guzzi, it's great fun”.
You said to still speak to riders. Have you heard from Stoner?
“No, I haven't had chance to speak with Casey. I often talk to Dovizioso and also Livio Suppo, considering we share some of the same passions”.
Dovizioso is alongside Lorenzo this year. What do you think about this pairing?
“It's a perfect combination, particularly character-wise, given that they're very similar in terms of lifestyle. Jorge is a tough team-mate, but this is good for Andrea. Having someone like Jorge on the team will allow Dovi to ride with less pressure. He was also very fast in Malaysia and I think it can be a special season for him. They start on a level playing field”.
Lorenzo-Ducati, there's a lot of hype. Will they win the title?
“I don't know if they can win the title or not, also because you need to be very consistent. The start will be fundamental for Jorge, because if he struggles in the first races it will be hard to make up for that later. The first race is in Qatar and Ducati can aim for the win there”.
As well as Lorenzo, there is also Yamaha with Vinales. Did you expect him to be so fast?
“Yes, definitely. I remember Silverstone 2013, I decided to go and watch track-side to see him close up and I realised then that he had something really special. He was doing things that others weren't doing”.
Is he the anti-Marquez?
“Sure, they are two similar riders. Maverick doesn't feel the pressure and I'm sure that Valentino's presence won't affect him. At the recent tests he's been competitive and he still has room for improvement. I'm curious to see Iannone on the Suzuki, it seems he's immediately found the right confidence. The Phillip Island tests will give us a clearer idea of the situation, though things almost always stay the same in Australia”.
Marquez suffered in Sepang just as he did one year ago.
“This time the difficulties that he's had have been less critical than in 2016. He starts out as favourite and it he really gets 110% out of the bike. In Honda Pedrosa can turn things around, in Malaysia he was fast and that's quite a clear sign, though ten riders closed inside a second at those tests”.
Rossi is looking for his tenth title, might this be his chance?
“Valentino is doing miracles, it's incredible that he can still be so competitive. At Sepang he suffered at first but then pulled a rabbit out of his hat- Every season though there are two more obstacles. The first is his age, then his rivals. In 2017, he'll have Vinales and a Ducati that is even more competitive, without forgetting Iannone”.
Your most recent experience in the world championship was with Sky Racing TeamVR46. Last year we saw Fenati and the team break up, did you see it coming?
“Yes, but I prefer not to say any more”.
