De Diana Tamantini / Corsedimoto.com
Joe Roberts has reignited US interest in the world championship. “Something is changing », he admitted. In 2021 he will be with Italtrans for further advances.
In past seasons, the United States of America has been a major player in the history of the world championship. So we wait with great hope Joe Roberts and, starting next year, Cameron Beaubier who will make his debut there. Two Moto2 riders representing an entire nation which, as we all know, has many world champions. A story that began with Freddie spencer in 1985 in 250cc, while the last American title arrived with the late Nicky Hayden, king of the premier category (already MotoGP) in 2006. As for the intermediate category, we have to go back to 1990 with John Kocinski, the last American to triumph in the 250cc at the time.
For three seasons, Joe Roberts was the only American driver to compete in the world championship. The results obtained this year have revived interest in this championship in his country. Starting with his first pole position in Qatar, the first for an American since Ben Spies and the first in Moto2 since Kenny Noyes, both obtained in 2010. Joe Roberts also reached the podium for the first time in his career, still succeeding Ben Spies in 2011, while if we only consider the intermediate class, we have to go back to 1993. A podium and three pole positions, enough to put the young 23-year-old Californian from Malibu in the spotlight in the United States. United, and rekindle enthusiasm for the World Championship.
« I was nowhere and suddenly rekindled American interest. Something is changing”, said Joe Roberts to Paul Carruthers for MotoAmerica.com. « This is what I have hoped for since I arrived in Moto2. I can be proud of what I did this year, even if I haven't reached my goals yet. Before the year started I didn't even know if winning was an option, I really had minimal confidence. The team helped me a lot. » A renewed confidence that led him to think about victory on several occasions. Especially during the French GP, the last of the season where he started in front of everyone after standing out in free practice.
He persisted in saying to himself: ' " At Le Mans, I take pole and I win,” I told myself every day. I was really focused. » The first part of the project was successful, but bad luck struck on Sunday, just before the race. A problem on the starting grid while the team was changing the bike's settings from wet to dry: he had to start last. A fact, however, which honors him even more: he came back and finished in 6th place. Of course, with a little bitterness in my mouth for the missed opportunity, but « I gained even more confidence. It's a type of race that is important to do in order to understand how to get through a difficult situation and give your best. »
For now, the objective remains to win a race, which is what he is aiming for with Italtrans Racing: The private tests in Jerez have already been the subject of a first and positive introduction together. Flanked by Giovanni Sandi. « He's a very cool guy but very professional. He pushes me, without pressure but in a positive way. »
Next year there will be two Americans, since
Cameron Beaubier made his arrival.
« He's one of the best drivers in the country.", highlighted Joe Roberts.
« He should have arrived in Europe much earlier, he is already 28 years old. I can't wait to see what he can do, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him on top soon. I would also like to fight with him, but of course finishing in front of him. »
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