Jorge “Aspar” Martinez changed his team name in tribute to his former friend and adversary Angel Nieto, and he appointed one of his sons Gelete as Principal Director. Mela Chércoles spoke with Aspar for As.com to get Martinez's personal perspective.
He had already proposed that the name of Ángel Nieto be given to the Circuit of Jerez.
“When the unfortunate loss of Angel happened, this year he tried to join our team but unfortunately it couldn't happen, because he left us.
“I think that Spanish motorcycling owes everything to Ángel Nieto in all respects, in the professional part, as a rider and with his history, but also for everything he brought. In terms of communication, for everything he brought with everyone to talk about the bike. In the 70s, obviously, it wasn't easy to talk about motorcycling, and he did it. In terms of sponsors, too. And on my personal level, I had the great chance to learn from him as a pilot and as a person.
Why this great initiative to give your team its name?
“We talk about it with Pablo et jellyfish for months. It was something very thoughtful, something very beautiful. I hope Angel up there is extremely proud of this idea.
“Sincerely, his children, Gelete, Pablo and Hugo have honored everything that Angel Nieto was and all the tributes he receives and the things that have been done for him are more than deserved.
“For my part, I fought for the Jerez circuit to be named after Ángel Nieto and for the Aspar team to be renamed Ángel Nieto, so that his name remains alive in the World Championship. I think it's something very beautiful. »
His eldest son, Gelete Nieto, returns to what was his home two decades ago. What role will he play?
“He will be the Principal Director of the team, in Moto3 and MotoGP. Gino Borsoi is still the sporting director, José María Ibáñez is the general manager and I am still the owner, but we are all together and I know Gelete is going to do a great job. He is very motivated, and that is the most important thing for me. We will work so that the Spanish anthem and the name of Ángel Nieto ring out in the World Championship. »
It's been several months since Angel left. Have you ever managed to overcome it?
“It's difficult, because I can admit that I always ask Angel for advice. There are times when I wonder what Angel would do at this or that moment, and what would he say. Angel is one of the smartest people I have ever seen in my life. I will always miss him because he is a unique person and impossible to replace. »
Did you have any differences of opinion?
“Yes, there was friction. I remember in 1986, I was wrestling with Angel in the last race of his life. And then another, but that's normal, because Angel was a fighter and a winner with a strong personality. Things don't always go your way and sometimes we clash, but that was the last time we had a little contact. Since then we have gotten along again. »
Photo © Marca.com
Source: As.com
