In the 2018 Grand Prix paddock, there will be more than 60 (28 in Moto3 and 33 in Moto2 if Sandro Cortese and Dominique Aegerter manage to secure their place) hoping to one day arrive in MotoGP.
Si Francis Bagnaia assumes it, declares it and even anticipates a schedule (see here), his compatriot Roman Fenati, probably out of superstition, does not want to affirm it.
After 6 seasons spent in Moto3 (let's say five and a half, after being suspended in Austria in 2016 by Sky Racing Team VR46, not without controversy (see here), the long-awaited jump to Moto2 has finally arrived for Romano Fenati, after a brilliant 2017 season (three victories and five podiums), but at the end of which he must nevertheless be content with the much less publicized title of vice-world champion.
Our colleagues on the site Motoracing were able to ask a few questions to the Marinelli Rivacold Snipers Team pilot.
Here are the extracts we retained…
The 2017 season ended with a second place finish. Regrets ?
“Absolutely not, no regrets! It was a beautiful and intense season. I, and we, got a lot of satisfaction from it, and even in difficult times we were always good at solving them and coming out with our heads held high. That's why I have no regrets, because I always gave my best, and even mistakes helped me grow. »
What are your impressions after your first Moto2 tests in Jerez and Valencia?
“The first impressions are certainly positive but Moto2 remains to be discovered. We have a lot of work to do and we can't wait to get started. »
Is it premature to say that Romano Fenati will immediately fight for the world title? Will an adaptation period be necessary?
“Yes, it’s absolutely premature. It will take time to find the right point. Let's remember that everything is new, for me but also for my team. »
Do you feel a bit like Tony Arbolino's teacher? What was your first piece of advice?
“With Tony, I feel very good, I was the first to really want him on the team! I don't feel like his teacher, I still have a lot to learn, I can't teach but I can certainly, and I want, to pass on part of my experience to him. »
Your secret dream?
“You can already imagine it, but I’m not saying it! »
Is there a team you would prefer to start with in MotoGP one day?
“MotoGP represents excellence and you cannot look down on any team. All the teams are good, but if it was Italian… that would be great! »
How much do you miss paddock life during the winter holidays?
“Honestly, I don't miss the paddock, I rest and train at the same time. But I miss the adrenaline of the race weekend! »
Romano Fenati, aged 21, arrived in Moto3 in 2012. From the second race of his first season in the Team Italia FMI, he won the Jerez Grand Prix before finishing sixth in the championship on his FTR Honda (136 points).
The following year was much more difficult, in the same renamed structure San Carlo Team Italia, and the Italian driver must be content with 10th place in the world ranking (73 points).
Mount and team changes 2014 with his arrival on the KTM of Sky Racing Team VR46. The sauce took off immediately and number #5 scored four victories and two second places which brought him fifth place in the championship (176 points).
Only one victory in 2015 but a regularity which makes him climb to fourth place in the world (176 points) before, the following year during the season, being ejected from the team SKY Racing Team VR46 with losses and crashes while fighting for the world title (10th with 93 points).
This year, the man of Ascoli Piceno registered 248 points, but this remains 93 less than the imperial Joan Mir.
In 2018, he will swap his number 5, already taken by Andrea Locatelli in Moto2, for the generally missing #13: further proof of the strong character of the individual...
